MANILA – President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Saturday (29 Mar 2025) extended his heartfelt gratitude to United Arab Emirates (UAE) President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan for pardoning 115 Filipino convicts in celebration of Ramadan.
The UAE Embassy in Manila informed the Philippine government on Friday of the royal clemency granted during the Holy Month of Ramadan.
Marcos expressed his appreciation, emphasizing that the pardon offers hope to the families of the convicts and reflects the UAE’s commitment to humanitarian values. “On behalf of the Philippine government, we extend our sincerest thanks to President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan for this compassionate act,” he said.
The Filipino convicts, who were released just ahead of Eid al-Fitr, are among the 115 beneficiaries of the royal pardon. Marcos also recalled that similar acts of clemency were granted in previous years, including the release of 143 Filipinos during Eid al-Adha in June and 220 others on UAE National Day in December.
Marcos underscored the importance of strengthening bilateral relations with the UAE, home to nearly one million Filipinos. He noted that such acts of kindness reflect the strong partnership between the two nations and encourage future cooperation and understanding.
In a separate statement, the Philippine Communications Office (PCO) confirmed that the UAE Embassy has asked for assistance in sharing the names of those pardoned. The PCO also noted that the pardon brings joy and relief to the families of the convicts, many of whom have been separated from their loved ones for years.
“This royal pardon also reflects the spirit of compassion and second chances during Ramadan and is a testament to the UAE Government’s deep respect for President Marcos,” the PCO concluded.
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