Senator Robinhood “Robin” Padilla has filed a resolution expressing the Senate’s appreciation to the United Arab Emirates (UAE) for the grant of pardon to three convicted overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) in observance of the Eid Ul-Adha, and in recognition of the efforts of President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. Padilla, the lone Muslim senator in the Upper Chamber, filed Senate Resolution No. 665 on Monday, June 26. The three OFWs were granted pardon, five days prior to the celebration. UAE President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan pardoned the three OFWs for humanitarian reasons. Two of three convicts who were pardoned were already on death row for drug trafficking. The other has a 15-year sentence for slander, according to Malacañang officials. Eid ul-Adha, Padilla said, is an observance by Muslims worldwide commonly known as the “Feast of Sacrifice,” marked by reflection, forgiveness and compassion. “It is customary in many Muslim countries to grant executive clemency to convicted prisoners as a demonstration of compassion and mercy,” Padilla said in his resolution. Padilla said the Philippine government recognizes that the UAE President’s gesture is a testament to President Marcos’ unwavering commitment to promoting strong and multi-faceted relationships with other nations while ensuring that the country’s national interest remains paramount. The resolution also recognizes the President’s tenacious efforts in fostering strong diplomatic ties between the Philippines and UAE, and ensuring the welfare of at least 600,000 OFWs workers in UAE.