In December 2012, Sam Philipe, PTWF Director for Israel, made a plea on behalf of Pave the Way Foundation to the government of Israel to suspend any planned deportation of Philippine pilgrims who had overstayed their visas during the Christmas season. He wished that that they might travel to Bethlehem without fear of arrest. 

Recently, Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte made the first visit by a Philippines president to Israel and met with Sam to thank him for his intercession in 2012.