A Filipino bishop has welcomed the granting of clemency to 15 Filipinos in Qatari prisons.
"We are grateful and appreciative to the kind gestures of the kingdom of Qatar," said Bishop Ruperto Santos, chairman of the Episcopal Commission on Migrants and Itinerant People.
"We can learn so much lessons here," said Bishop Santos.
"As Qatar prefers life, rather than punishment and death, so the [Philippine] government must promote life rather than death," added the prelate.
Bishop Santos said what Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani, emir of Qatar, did was "exemplary."
The prelate expressed hope that the Philippine government will not only be protective of overseas Filipino workers but also "value their sacrifices and services to provide us better lives."
The Gulf Arab state of Qatar usually issues pardons during the month of Ramadan.
