Late Saudi King Abdullah remembered for helping OFWs –Palace

The Philippine government on Friday offered condolences to the people of Saudi Arabia upon the death of their leader, King Abdullah.

At a press briefing, deputy presidential spokesperson Abigal Valte said the Philippine government will remember how King Abdullah helped overseas Filipino workers (OFW) in Saudi Arabia.

“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,” Valte said.

“The King’s receptiveness to the concerns of the Filipino government helped improve the welfare and prospects of our countrymen in Saudi Arabia,” she added.

King Abdullah, who spent almost a decade on the throne of the world's largest oil exporter, died on Friday after being hospitalized last month, the royal court said.

Valte particularly commended the late monarch for granting clemency to some Filipinos under trial in Saudi Arabia, and for extending financial assistance to Rodelio Lanuza, an OFW saved from the death row.

She also praised King Abdullah for giving OFWs the opportunity to correct their status, and for standardizing employment contracts in Saudi Arabia.

In 2013, King Abdullah ordered a reprieve to let illegal migrant workers correct their immigration or labor status in Saudi Arabia, after the Kingdom implemented a “Saudization” policy or nitaqat, which encourages the employment of Saudi nationals in private firms.

Before the King’s death, Saudi Arabia’s leadership faced international pressure from media groups todefer the public flogging of activist and blogger Raif Badawi, who was accused of committing cybercrime.

Over 1.2 million Filipinos are currently working in Saudi Arabia, based on latest government figures.—KBK, GMA News

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