Death sentence vs 3 Pinoys in China final: embassy

MANILA, Philippines - The Chinese Embassy on Wednesday said the death sentence on three Filipino drug traffickers in China has been sustained after a judicial review of the Supreme People's Court (SPC) of the People's Republic of China.

The embassy said the Philippines has already been informed of the SPC's decision through diplomatic channels.

"The death sentence on the three Filipino drug traffickers is the final verdict by the Chinese judicial authorities in accordance with law. As criminals of death penalty, their legitimate rights and interests have been protected in accordance with law. The Chinese side will render their relatives assistance and facilitation as necessary to visit the inmates in China," the embassy said.



Foreign Affairs Undersecretary Esteban Conejos, Jr. earlier said the Philippine government is racing against time to help the 3 Filipinos with the hope of commuting their sentences to life imprisonment.

He refused to disclose the last-minute legal and diplomatic options the government will be doing, saying this would compromise the cases.

Two of the 3 will be executed in Xiamen on February 21, while 1 will be executed in Guangdong the following day. All 3 will be executed via lethal injection.

The Chinese Embassy said meting out the death penalty to criminals perpetrating extremely serious crimes serves as a deterrent to drug-related crimes. It noted that drug-related crime has been universally recognized as a scourge by the whole world.

It also reminded foreign nationals in China to observe Chinese laws and refrain from engaging in drug trafficking or other drug-related crimes. "Otherwise, they would be punished by the Chinese judicial authorities in accordance with law," it said.

The embassy said the People's Republic of China attaches great importance to China-Philippines friendly relationship.

"Since our two countries established diplomatic ties 36 years ago, China-Philippines relations enjoyed smooth development and continuously deepened cooperation in various fields. At present, our two countries are facing with great opportunity to expand exchanges and deepen cooperation. The Chinese side stands ready to work with the Philippine side to advance China-Philippines strategic cooperation into greater depth," it said.

"The two sides have reached broad-based consensus and conducted sound cooperation on combating drug-related crimes. The Chinese side appreciates the Philippine side for its active measures taken against drug-related crimes and is willing to deepen cooperation with the Philippine side in a relentless effort to eradicate transnational drug-related crimes."

source: abs cbn