PRESIDENT Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Tuesday said 143 Filipino convicts in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) have been pardoned by President Sheikh Mohamed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan.
Marcos expressed his gratitude to the UAE leader for granting his request.
In a social media post Tuesday, Marcos said he talked with the UAE President over the phone, where they discussed the flourishing ties between the two countries and the assistance that the Arab country has been giving the Philippines following recent typhoons.
“I extended to him my heartfelt thanks for the UAE’s humanitarian aid in the wake of the recent typhoons and floods that struck the Philippines,” President Marcos said.
“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,” he added.
According to Marcos, the Philippines and the UAE “share strong bonds, rooted in the values and aspirations of our peoples.”
“I look forward to strengthening this partnership in the years ahead,” he said.
Senate President Pro Tempore Jinggoy Estrada likewise thanked the UAE President for his benevolent decision to grant pardon to 143 of our kababayans who have committed minor offenses.
“This act of compassion and understanding brings immense relief to the families of those pardoned and strengthens the bonds of friendship and cooperation between our two nations,” Estrada said.
“Maagang pamasko ito para sa 143 Filipinos at sa kanilang pamilya. Sa kanilang pag-uwi, hangad ko na mabiyayaan sila ng programa ng ating gobyerno para makabangon muli at maipagpatuloy ang kanilang paglaban sa mga hamon sa buhay kapiling ng kanilang mga mahal sa buhay at hindi na mangibang bansa pa,” he added.
“We are deeply grateful to the UAE government for their kindness to the Filipino community and for upholding mercy and humanity. May this goodwill inspire further collaboration and mutual respect between our countries,” Estrada further said.
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