MANILA – In a heartfelt gesture of compassion, President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. thanked United Arab Emirates (UAE) President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan on Saturday for granting clemency to 115 Filipino convicts, a decision that coincides with the holy month of Ramadan.
The UAE Embassy in Manila informed the Philippine government of the royal pardon on Friday, relaying the news through the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA). Marcos expressed his gratitude, highlighting the significance of the pardon for the families of the convicts and noting it as a testament to the UAE’s commitment to humanitarian values.
“The UAE Ambassador in Manila has personally informed us that for this season’s Ramadan and Eid al-Fitr, no less than 115 convicted Filipinos have been set free,” Marcos said in a statement. He extended his heartfelt thanks, stating, “On behalf of the Philippine government, we extend our sincerest thanks to President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan for this compassionate act.”
This act of clemency reflects the burgeoning partnership between the Philippines and the UAE, with Marcos recalling similar gestures in the past—143 Filipinos were pardoned during last year’s Eid al-Adha, and another 220 were released on the UAE’s National Day in December.
As the Philippines celebrates this momentous occasion, Marcos emphasized the importance of fostering strong ties with the UAE, home to nearly one million Filipinos. “Both nations reaffirm their commitment to strengthening bilateral relations, ensuring that such acts of kindness pave the way for continued cooperation and understanding in the years to come,” he stated.
The Philippine Embassy in the UAE and the Consulate General in Dubai echoed Marcos’s sentiments, expressing “profound gratitude” for the royal clemency. The DFA’s statement highlighted the spirit of mercy during Ramadan and acknowledged the UAE leaders’ generosity.
“His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE; His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE; and to the esteemed government of the UAE for the gracious grant of royal clemency to 115 Filipino nationals,” the DFA said. “This act of generosity and compassion exemplifies the true spirit of mercy during the sacred occasion of Ramadan.”
The DFA reassured the Filipino community that the Embassy, Consulate General, and Migrant Workers Offices in Abu Dhabi and Dubai remain committed to ensuring the welfare of Filipino nationals in the UAE. “The Embassy and the Consulate stand ready to extend the necessary assistance to facilitate the safe and expeditious return of those granted clemency,” the statement noted.
In a separate statement, the Presidential Communications Office (PCO) remarked that the pardon would bring relief and joy to families who have long been separated from their loved ones. “This royal pardon also underscores the importance of compassion and second chances in the spirit of Ramadan. It is a sign of the UAE government’s high respect for President Marcos,” the PCO added.
As the UAE demonstrates its commitment to humanitarian values, the act of clemency stands as a beacon of hope for many, reinforcing the bonds of friendship between the two nations.
