Chiz Escudero, may madamdaming post matapos ang pagkasawi ng OFW caregiver sa Israel

Published 3 Mar 2026 at 12:47 AM

by Triz Pereña

3 min read

Sen. Chiz Escudero condoled the family of Mary Anne Velazquez de Vera, an OFW who died in Israel while protecting her elderly patient amid escalating conflict
He urged urgent government action to protect Filipinos abroad and ensure proper evacuation plans
Escudero stressed the need for long-term solutions like local job creation and competitive wages
His statement highlights both OFWs’ immediate risks and the importance of domestic opportunities

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Senator Chiz Escudero expressed his heartfelt sympathy to the family of Mary Anne Velazquez de Vera, a Filipino overseas worker who tragically lost her life in Israel amid escalating tensions in the Middle East. Mary Anne reportedly died while protecting her elderly patient, demonstrating courage and selflessness even in the face of danger.

Chiz Escudero, nakikiramay sa pamilya ng OFW caregiver na nasawi sa gitna ng gulo sa Israel (Photo: Mary Anne De Vera)
Source: Facebook

Alongside a solemn photo of praying hands shared on social media, Escudero wrote, “I extend my deepest condolences to the family of Mary Ann de Vera, our kababayan who lost her life in Israel amid the escalating conflict in the Middle East. No Filipino should ever pay the ultimate price simply for seeking honest work to support their loved ones.”

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The senator emphasized the need for swift government action to protect Filipino workers abroad. “Our government, therefore, must act with urgency to safeguard every Filipino in the affected regions. This should be our foremost priority,” he said.

He also called on relevant agencies to take immediate steps in ensuring the safety of overseas Filipino workers. “I echo calls for the Department of Foreign Affairs and the Department of Migrant Workers to ensure that contingency and evacuation plans are fully operational, and that direct, proactive communication reaches all OFWs in vulnerable areas,” Escudero added.

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Looking ahead, Escudero stressed that long-term solutions are essential to reduce the need for Filipinos to seek work abroad. “In the long term, we must build a country where working abroad is a choice, not a necessity. This we can achieve through sustained job creation, stronger local industries, competitive wages, and real opportunities across our provinces. Our people deserve nothing less,” he concluded.

The senator’s statement comes at a time of heightened concern for Filipinos working in conflict-affected areas, highlighting both the immediate risks faced by overseas workers and the broader call for stronger domestic opportunities.

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Chiz Escudero is a well-known Filipino lawyer and politician. He first gained national attention as a congressman representing Sorsogon, earning a reputation as a sharp debater and principled lawmaker. He later served as a senator, where he became recognized for his work on legislation focusing on justice, human rights, and good governance. Outside of his political career, he is also widely known for his high-profile marriage to actress and style icon Heart Evangelista. The couple tied the knot in a grand and picturesque ceremony held in Balesin.

As previously reported, Sen. Chiz Escudero paid tribute to former House Speaker Jose C. de Venecia Jr., who passed away at 89 on February 10, 2026. He commended de Venecia’s decades of service and leadership in Congress, noting his significant contributions to democracy, peace efforts, and the mentorship of younger legislators. Escudero also expressed his condolences to the family, saying that de Venecia’s legacy will continue to inspire future generations.