House Speaker Martin Romualdez (PPAB)

House Speaker Martin Romualdez commended President Marcos for strengthening cooperation between the Philippines and the United Arab Emirates (UAE), which he said was integral to the pardon of 143 Filipinos in the Middle Eastern country.

“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,” Romualdez said in a statement on Wednesday, Oct. 16.

The Speaker says Marcos’ foreign policy thrust is built upon fostering friendly interaction and cooperation with other countries. 

“To use his words, ‘a friend to all, an enemy to none’,” said Romualdez.

President Marcos, in a Facebook post, announced that he had talked to UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed over the phone to thank him for pardoning the 143 Filipinos. 

“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.

According to the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA), the 143 were pardoned during this year’s Eid al-Adha. None of them were for major offenses such as death penalty cases, but rather for “relatively minor offenses”.

Romualdez also gave appreciation to 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 (countrymen) 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,” he added.

The House leader said the pardon has not only brought “immense relief” to the OFWs and their loved ones, it has also further strengthened the bonds of friendship between the Philippines and the UAE.

“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 continued.

‘Act of compassion’

House Committee on Overseas Workers Affairs chairperson and Tingog Party-list Rep. Jude Acidre likewise expressed his gratitude to President Marcos for his “steadfast commitment” to the 143 Filipinos who were pardoned.

“This act of compassion reflects the administration’s strong dedication to safeguarding the rights and well-being of Filipinos abroad,” Acidre said in a separate statement.

Based on estimates, there are over 600,000 Filipino migrant workers currently living in the UAE—making the Middle Eastern country home to one of the largest Filipino expatriate communities in the region. 

Acidre said OFWs in the UAE contribute to vital industries such as healthcare, construction, and hospitality.

With this, he stressed that it is important to ensure that these workers receive the support and protection they deserve.

As chairperson of the House panel overseeing policies and programs regarding OFWs, Acidre also said he will continue to advocate for stronger protections for them.

He noted that legislative measures, such as the Magna Carta for Seafarers, aim to safeguard the rights and welfare of Filipino workers across the globe.