Remembering the ‘reformer’
FILIPINOS across Saudi Arabia and their families back home owe a debt of gratitude to King Abdullah for his benevolence and compassion for migrant workers. It was with a grieving heart that the Filipino community received the news of the leader’s passing.
Rodelio “Dondon” Lanuza, a man who was able to regain his freedom from Saudi’s death row through King Abdullah’s help, had this to say: “I am one of the thousand few, that this great man willingly and selflessly helped. There are many witnesses, who saw how he saved my life. With that, I will forever be grateful. You will be remembered King Abdullah, forever.”
As a labor advocate, I had a front row seat on how the compassion bestowed by King Abdullah to Lanuza led to the latter’s freedom. The Philippine government with the help of Filipino-American businesswoman and renowned philanthropist Loida Nicolas Lewis tried to complete the blood money needed to spare the Filipino worker from the death penalty. However, their collective efforts alongside myriad contributions from fellow overseas workers still fell short. In 2013, King Abdullah gave SR2.3 million, representing 3/4th of the amount needed, thus saving the young man’s life. Today, Lanuza seeks to pay it forward by doing well in his job in the construction industry and helping distressed overseas workers in partnership with non-government organization.
Another OFW recently received pardon from the late king, leading to his reunification with the family in the Philippines late last year. In that particular case, the worker alleged that a friend who was dealing drugs on the side framed him for the crime instead, in order to elude arrest. Had it not been for the king’s intercession through an amnesty, he would have suffered 15 years in jail for an alleged crime that he did not commit.
The reformist king will also be remembered for providing the political will to carry out the Saudization program through Nitaqat. This was a difficult task involving also the use of diplomatic channels as labor-sending countries such as the Philippines had its own concerns about the plight of foreign workers. That this historic program had taken off reflects the wisdom and deft touch of King Abdullah, thus resulting in one of the most daring feats of social and political re-engineering done anywhere in the world.
Today, Saudi Arabia has been more vocal about the protection of migrant workers especially domestic workers. The Kingdom has issued hotlines while continuing to explore bilateral labor agreements to enhance their protection. This, too, shall be part of the legacy of King Abdullah.
Foreign Affairs Undersecretary Rafael Seguis who served as ambassador to Saudi Arabia from 1999 to 2003 recalls how the bilateral relations between the two countries flourished under King Abdullah’s reign. Seguis described the Saudi leader as a “populist” and “reformist.” He also cited the Saudi government’s help and support for the ongoing peace process in Mindanao, and through several charity programs including assistance to victims of Super Typhoon Haiyan.
For Filipino workers, the best way to repay their collective gratitude to King Abdullah is to show the same level of affection, support and respect for his successor, Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman. The new king had been to the Philippines during the time of then President Joseph Estrada, and is quite aware of the contributions of Filipino workers to both the Saudi and Philippine economies. Like King Abdullah, there is no doubt that King Salman will have the best interests of both local and foreign workers at heart.