President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. revealed that over a hundred Filipinos have been pardoned in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), following a phone call with UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed. The pardon, granted to 143 Filipinos, was announced during a call on Monday.
“I expressed my gratitude for the kindness extended to them, particularly their generous pardon of 143 Filipinos, which has brought relief to many families,” Marcos shared.
While Marcos did not disclose further details about the pardon, Foreign Affairs Undersecretary Eduardo de Vega clarified that it was given during the Eid’l Adha celebration in June. Those pardoned were reportedly involved in minor offenses. “We were formally informed of this by the UAE Embassy last August, and the Philippines appreciates this kind gesture of our friends from the United Arab Emirates,” De Vega explained.
Marcos also took the opportunity to thank the UAE for its humanitarian aid to the Philippines following recent typhoons. “I extended to him my heartfelt thanks for the UAE’s assistance in the wake of the recent typhoons and floods that struck the Philippines,” he said.
In closing, Marcos highlighted the strong ties between the two nations, emphasizing the contributions of Filipino workers in the UAE and expressing his intent to further strengthen the partnership in the future.
