Noy appeals for commutation of sentence of 2 OFWs in Kuwait

MANILA, Philippines - President Aquino has appealed to Kuwaiti’s emir Sabah Al Ahmad Al Jaber Al Sabah for the commutation of the death sentence of two overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) in Kuwait.

In the first case, the emir said that commutation would be possible after the victim’s family had already given a tanazul or affidavit of forgiveness.

He assured Aquino that he would look into the second case, adding that pardon would be easier to grant once an affidavit of forgiveness is secured.

The President also thanked the emir for the compassion he had shown in 2008 and 2009 when two OFWs on death row were granted commutation and a full pardon, respectively, by the Kuwaiti government.

Meanwhile, the Philippines and Kuwait have signed three agreements and an executive program to further strengthen both countries’ cooperation in labor, agriculture, fisheries, culture and consular relations.

The agreements were signed by Aquino and the Kuwaiti emir.

“These agreements illustrate the growing relations between the Philippines and Kuwait and complement the thrust of the Aquino administration in bolstering economic ties and ensuring the safety and welfare of Filipino workers in Kuwait,” Foreign Affairs Secretary Albert del Rosario said.

The Philippines and Kuwait signed the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) in labor cooperation seeking to encourage the two countries’ expertise and knowledge in the field of job creation and employment, as well as promoting and protecting the welfare of skilled workers.

The agreement on agriculture and fisheries fosters sectoral development and enhances agri-related trade and investments.

Del Rosario said the agreement on the Waiver of Visa Requirements for Holders of Diplomatic, Special and Official Passports will facilitate exchange of high-level visits between the Philippines and Kuwait.

The Executive Program for Cultural Agreement for 2012-2014, on the other hand, promotes the exchange of information, experience and materials in the field of culture and the arts to enhance knowledge and understanding of each other’s culture.

During the bilateral meeting between Aquino and the emir, both countries noted the promising performance of Kuwaiti investments in the Philippines which include Kuwait and Gulf Link’s (KGL) $2 billion, 177-hectare aviation-oriented logistics and business center in Clark, Pampanga and KGL’s acquisition of Negros Navigation and Intishar’s banana plantation in Davao.

The President and the emir exchanged state decorations in recognition of the strengthened bilateral relations.

Aquino conferred the Order of Lakandula, rank of Grand Collar (Supremo), on the visiting Kuwaiti leader, who in turn gave the President the Mubarak al Kabeer medal.