MANILA – House of Representatives Speaker Martin Romualdez on Wednesday commended President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. for strengthening diplomatic ties between the Philippines and the United Arab Emirates (UAE), which led to the pardon of 143 Filipinos.
“The President’s cultivation of our strong ties with the UAE is what prompted UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed to recently grant pardon to 143 Filipinos,” he said in a statement.
“We support the foreign policy thrust of our President in fostering friendly interaction and cooperation with other countries and in making the Philippines, to use his words, ‘a friend to all, an enemy to none.’”
Romualdez added that he looks forward to further enhancing cooperation between the Philippines and the UAE.
Marcos confirmed he had spoken with the UAE leader by phone to express his gratitude for the pardons, as well as the Arab nation's humanitarian assistance following recent typhoons that hit the Philippines.
“It is always inspiring to hear how our Filipino workers continue to excel and make a positive contribution in the UAE. I expressed my gratitude for the kindness extended to them, particularly their generous pardon of 143 Filipinos, which has brought relief to many families,” the President said.
Romualdez also thanked the UAE president “for his kind gesture in pardoning our compatriots and in giving them a second chance at rehabilitating and improving themselves.”
“In behalf of our pardoned kababayan (compatriots) and their families, we would like to express our deep gratitude to President Mohamed bin Zayed. We also would like to thank him for hosting thousands of overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) and for treating them well,” Romualdez said.
The presidential pardon, he said, "brought immense relief" to those who were released and their families, further cementing the bond of friendship between the two countries.
He emphasized the Philippines’ willingness to provide future labor and ensure Filipino workers deliver efficient and excellent service.
“We hope we could reciprocate their kindness in the future, even in terms of our country providing them their labor requirements and our OFWs rendering efficient and excellent service,” he said.
Tingog Party-list Rep. Jude Acidre also commended Marcos’ leadership and commitment to the well-being of Filipinos overseas, noting that the pardons were granted during this year's Eid al-Adha.
"This gesture reflects the Philippine government’s dedication to safeguarding the rights and dignity of our nationals abroad," he said.
Acidre, who chairs the House Committee on Overseas Workers Affairs, said more than 600,000 Filipinos work in the UAE, particularly in such sectors as health care, construction, and hospitality.
He cited the importance of ensuring their welfare and protection while fostering cooperation between the two countries.
"I also wish to convey my sincere gratitude to the government of the UAE for their generosity and spirit of compassion toward the Filipino people,” he said.
Acidre said his panel would remain focused on advancing policies like the Magna Carta for Seafarers to improve protections for OFWs.
"I am confident that the growing partnership between the Philippines and the UAE will continue to foster greater cooperation, ensuring that the contributions of our people are recognized and no Filipino is left behind as we build a more prosperous future together," he said. (PNA)
