The Commission on Human Rights (CHR) expresses its profound sadness and deep concern over the execution of a Filipino national in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. We extend our heartfelt condolences to the family and, in line with their request for privacy, urge the public and media to respect their wishes.
Overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) often leave the country in pursuit of better opportunities, yet many face harsh realities abroad, including poor working conditions, exploitation, and discrimination. This vulnerability becomes more pronounced when OFWs are subjected to foreign justice systems, especially in countries where the death penalty is enforced. Language barriers, limited legal support, and unfamiliarity with legal processes further weaken their chances of a fair defense.
OFWs also face the risk of losing some of the guaranteed protections of their homeland’s justice system. This case highlights the limitations of what the Philippine State can do in securing a reprieve for those whose lives are at risk under the death penalty in some countries. The right to life is a fundamental right that transcends national borders, yet remains subject to the jurisdictional laws of foreign states.
As the country’s national human rights institution, the CHR reiterates its call for the Philippine government to further strengthen its efforts in ensuring that the rights of Filipino migrant workers are upheld and protected, even when they are outside the territorial jurisdiction of the Philippines.
We recognize the dedicated efforts of the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) and the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) to defend the rights and seek clemency for the Filipino migrant worker in question. The protection of human rights knows no borders. It is a core principle of our foreign policy to protect and promote the rights, welfare, and interests of Filipinos overseas. This responsibility underscores the international nature of human rights, which all states have a duty to uphold.
To prevent similar incidents from happening, it is vital to continue building stronger legal support systems for OFWs and enhancing diplomatic engagements with host countries. These efforts should focus on ensuring that OFWs have access to fair legal representation and that justice systems respect international human rights standards, including the right to due process.
Reflecting on this case, it is vital to reaffirm that the right to life is a fundamental human right, enshrined in Article 3 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) and the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR), to which the Philippines is a State Party. While the death penalty remains legal in some countries, we firmly believe that the dignity of life must be preserved at all times, and that justice systems should provide for the possibility of rehabilitation and not solely focus on retribution.
As we commemorate the World Day Against the Death Penalty this October 10, we once again express our strong opposition to the re-imposition of capital punishment in the Philippines. This case serves as a stark reminder of the irreversible nature of the death penalty and its potential to deny justice. The CHR remains committed to advocating for a justice system—both locally and globally—that respects human rights, ensures due process, and offers every individual the opportunity for rehabilitation and redemption. ###