Senator Loren Legarda has welcomed the pardoning of 220 Filipinos detained in the United Arab Emirates, granted by President Sheikh Mohamed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan last December.

While recognizing the pardon as a significant step forward, Legarda emphasized the need for comprehensive support to ensure the repatriated individuals can successfully 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 they receive the necessary assistance to help them recover and reintegrate into their communities,” Legarda stated.

The four-term Senator highlighted the importance of providing livelihood and skills training programs to empower former persons deprived of liberty (PDL) and enable them to contribute meaningfully to society.

“Programs such as the DOLE Kabuhayan and the skill improvement initiatives from TESDA are available for those who wish to pursue new paths in their careers,” she added.

The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) acknowledged that the recent pardon reflects the “distinguished friendship” between the Philippines and the UAE, building on the previous pardon of 143 Filipinos in June, during the 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.

Legarda also emphasized the importance of supporting the families of the pardoned Filipinos, particularly in addressing the educational needs of their children.

“Establishing scholarship programs for the children of unemployed pardoned Filipinos is one concrete step toward their reformation and easing their financial burden,” Legarda noted.

As a long-time advocate for OFW welfare, Legarda has championed various initiatives, including the OFW Remittance Act of 2022 and the amended Social Security Act, which expanded coverage for OFWs in retirement benefits. She also supported the enactment of the Overseas Absentee Voting Act of 2003 and the Magna Carta for Seafarers law.