Sen. Loren Legarda
MANILA, Philippines – Senator Loren Legarda welcomed the pardoning of 220 Filipinos detained in the United Arab Emirates by President Sheikh Mohamed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan last December.
Legarda emphasized that while the pardon is a significant step forward, it must be accompanied by comprehensive measures to help the repatriated individuals reintegrate into society and rebuild their lives.
“While we wholeheartedly welcome the release and impending repatriation of these 220 Filipinos, we must also focus on ensuring that they are provided with the necessary support to help them recover and reintegrate into society,” the Senator said.
The four-term Senator underscored the importance of providing livelihood and skills training programs to empower former persons deprived of liberty (PDL) and let them contribute meaningfully to their communities.
“Programs such as the DOLE Kabuhayan and skill improvement programs from the TESDA are available for those who want to tread a new path in work,” she added.
The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) acknowledged that the recent pardon reflects the “distinguished friendship” between the Philippines and the UAE. This follows the pardoning of 143 Filipinos last June in celebration of Eid’l Adha.
The DFA and the Philippine Embassy in Abu Dhabi are currently expediting the processing of documents to facilitate the immediate return of the pardoned Filipinos.
READ: UAE pardons 220 Filipinos – DFA
Legarda also highlighted the importance of extending support to the families of pardoned Filipinos, particularly in addressing the educational needs of their children.
“Setting up scholarship programs for children of unemployed pardoned Filipinos is one concrete step in the road to reformation, helping them ease their financial burden,” Legarda noted.
Legarda has pushed for the passage of various laws for OFW welfare, such as the OFW Remittance Act of 2022 and the amended Social Security Act, which expanded the coverage to OFWs in retirement benefits.
She also supported the enactment of the Overseas Absentee Voting Act of 2003 and the Magna Carta for Seafarers law.