King Abdullah improved OFW welfare in Saudi–Palace

In this Tuesday, March 24, 2009 file photo, King Abdullah bin Abdul Aziz al-Saud of Saudi Arabia, waves to members of the Saudi Shura “consultative” council in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. On early Friday, Jan. 23, 2015, Saudi state TV reported King Abdullah died at the age of 90. AP

MANILA, Philippines–An important figure who helped improve the welfare of overseas Filipino workers (OFWs). That was how Malacañang remembered Saudi Arabia’s King Abdullah.

King Abdullah died on Friday at the age of 90. He had been suffering from various illnesses.

“The King’s receptiveness to the concerns of the Filipino government helped improve the welfare and prospects of our countrymen in Saudi Arabia,” deputy presidential spokesperson Abigail Valte said in a statement.

“The death of King Abdullah marks the passing of an important figure in international and regional affairs. We extend our condolences to the Royal Family and to the people of Saudi Arabia,” she said.

Valte said King Abdullah granted clemency to many Filipinos under trial in Saudi. In particular, he spent for blood money to free Rodelio Celestino Lanuza, who was on death row. He also allowed migrant workers to correct their illegal status in the country.

“It was also during his reign that the Philippines and Saudi Arabia agreed on a Standard Employment Contract, which governs the employment of Filipino domestic workers in Saudi Arabia; this was followed by the signing of an agreement on domestic worker recruitment, which aims to better protect the welfare of Filipino household service workers in the Kingdom,” she explained.

“These actions will be remembered by our government, and by those who were positively affected by his decisions and efforts,” Valte said.

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