MANILA – The Philippine government sees the United Arab Emirates’ grant of royal clemency to 220 Filipinos convicted of various offenses as a reflection of the growing relations between the two states.
In a joint statement on Tuesday, the Philippine Embassy in UAE and the Philippine Consulate General in Dubai said this act of clemency on the occasion of the 53rd Eid Al Etihad reflects the “values of compassion, justice and mercy that guide the leadership of the UAE”.
“We are deeply appreciative of the continued generosity and understanding shown by the government and people of the UAE towards Filipinos,” the statement read.
“The pardon granted reaffirms the strong and growing relationship between our two nations, built on mutual respect, cooperation, and shared values. It is a testament to the commitment to foster peace, reconciliation, and human dignity.”
The embassy and the consulate said the Philippines would remember this act as a “significant expression of our enduring and growing bilateral relationship”.
The government is currently coordinating with UAE authorities, and vowed to provide necessary assistance for the repatriation of the Filipinos who will be released from their incarceration.
In a text message to the Philippine News Agency, Foreign Affairs Undersecretary for Migration Eduardo Jose de Vega said the government has no information or timeline as of yet as to when the pardoned Filipinos will be released or repatriated.
The UAE government first relayed the grant of pardon to the Department of Foreign Affairs, which Malacañang formally announced on January 6. (PNA)