Page 172 - AAE PR REPORT - MARCH 2025

4/2/25, 9:05 AM Filipinos in UAE say they cannot afford to support Duterte by withholding payments back home | The National

Every dirham is a lifeline
It was estimated that Filipinos sent more than $38.84 billion in remittances to the Philippines

last year. This money was a "backbone of countless households and a critical pillar of the

national economy", according to a statement sent to The National by Al Ansari Exchange.

"These remittances support essential needs such as education, healthcare, housing, and small
businesses, uplifting entire communities and driving economic growth," read the statement.

"The UAE is a significant contributor to this total, and the Philippines remains one of Al Ansari
Exchange’s top remittance corridors. We recognise that every dirham sent home is a lifeline –

ensuring children can stay in school, families can access medical care, and communities can
thrive."

Why is the campaign popular?

The move is gaining traction with Filipinos worldwide, due to the outrage sparked by Mr

Duterte's detention. He remains a popular figure, particularly among Filipinos working overseas,
and candlelit prayer rallies are expected to be held in his honour around the world on Friday.

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