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Cecille Suerte Felipe - The Philippine Star
April 2, 2025 | 12:00am
Senate President Francis Escudero answers questions from the media on October 29, 2024.
Senate of the Philippines via Youtube
MANILA, Philippines — Senate President Francis Escudero reminded Filipinos in Qatar, as well as others working overseas, to observe the laws of their host countries to avoid legal woes.
Escudero made the reminder after Foreign Affairs Undersecretary Eduardo Vega reported that one of the 20 held by Qatari authorities, for holding a political rally, was released through the intervention of the Philippine embassy in Doha.
“We remind our fellow citizens always to follow the laws and regulations of the countries they are in. However, what’s important is that they are freed as soon as possible. For me, what they have experienced is enough of a lesson on this matter,” the Senate leader said in Filipino.
In Qatar, any type of political rally is prohibited, and any individual found guilty of violating the law could face imprisonment of up to three years, according to the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA).
Escudero has commended the DFA and the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) for providing assistance to the 20 Filipinos who were arrested in Qatar for taking part in an unauthorized political demonstration.
He said the swift action by DFA and DMW officials has led to the release from detention of four Filipinos, including three minors, who participated in a political demonstration in support of former president Rodrigo Duterte that coincided with the latter’s 80th birthday last Friday.
Migrant Workers Secretary Hans Cacdac said the country’s labor attaché in Qatar, who is a lawyer, is providing legal assistance to the detained Filipinos.
Duterte is currently in custody at the International Criminal Court in The Hague, where he is facing charges of crimes against humanity.
Escudero said he expects Philippine authorities to work for the release of the rest of the Filipinos held in detention.
