By Liza Soriano
MANILA — Senator Koko Pimentel praised the United Arab Emirates (UAE) for granting clemency to 115 Filipinos during Ramadan and Eid al-Fitr.
Pimentel stated that this act “reflects the UAE’s goodwill toward Filipinos and its commitment to justice and compassion.”
Earlier, President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. expressed his gratitude to President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan of the UAE for the pardon granted to Filipino convicts.
“This gesture reflects the special partnership between our countries, as embodied by the nearly one million Filipinos who have made the Emirates their home, and the warm personal friendship and mutual respect between myself, as the leader of the Filipino people, and Sheikh Mohamed, as the leader of the Emiratis,” President Marcos said.
“On behalf of the Philippine government, we extend our sincerest thanks to President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan for this compassionate act,” he added.
On March 28, 2025, the Embassy of the United Arab Emirates in Manila directly communicated with the Department of Foreign Affairs-Office of the Middle East and African Affairs (OMEAA), informing the DFA of the royal pardon and requesting assistance in relaying the names of those pardoned.
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