Solon urges gov't to exert 'same effort' to save other OFWs on death row


After Jennifer Dalquez was saved from death row in the United Arab Emirates, a party-list lawmaker representing OFWs on Tuesday called on the government to “exert the same effort” to save other Filipinos in a similar situation abroad.
While elated by the development on Dalquez's case, ACTS-OFW party-list Rep. John Bertiz urged the government, led by the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA), to also work on saving other OFWs, not just those on death row but also those jailed for other charges.
“This verdict also offers hope to our other compatriots who are on death row. While we respect the laws of other countries, we expect our own government to come to the aid of Filipinos, especially those who may be innocent of the crimes that they are charged with,” Bertiz said in a statement.
“With this victory, we urge the DFA to exert the same efforts and tenacity to help those who are (in a) similar situation as Dalquez, and even for the other OFWs who continue to be incarcerated on various charges,” he added.
The domestic worker would serve a five-year jail term, less the number of days she has already spent in jail, “for stealing a mobile phone.”
“We are happy for Jennifer and her family and grateful to the UAE court, as well as to our own government. Jennifer acted in self-defense and we commend the court for ruling in her favor,” Bertiz said.
“We commend the DFA and DOLE (Department of Labor and Employment), as well as our embassy in the United Arab Emirates, for a job well done, and the nongovernment organizations who supported Jennifer Dalquez,” he added. —Rose-An Jessica Dioquino/KBK/KVD, GMA News

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