China turns down Phl ‘mercy mission’
By Pia Lee-Brago (The Philippine Star)

MANILA, Philippines – China has refused a visit from Vice President Jejomar Binay to ask for mercy for a Filipino on death row and said the execution will not be delayed, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) said yesterday.

The 35-year-old Filipino, who was caught at an airport in 2008 trying to smuggle about 1.5 kilograms of heroin into China from Malaysia, is scheduled for execution on Dec. 8.

“We have also been informed that the Chinese side is unable to arrange the visit of Vice President (Jejomar) Binay to China at this time. We respect the Chinese law and the verdict of the Supreme People’s Court,” the DFA said in a statement.

“The Philippine side expressed its concern and the Chinese side stated its position. The verdict by the Chinese judicial authorities is final,” Chinese embassy Deputy Chief of Political Section and spokesperson Ethan Sun Yi said in a text message to The STAR.

Binay, however, remains optimistic that China has not totally closed its doors to his visit so he can personally hand over the appeal of President Aquino.

“As far as the judicial process is concerned, the decision is deemed final. But we are pursuing our appeal on humanitarian grounds, and the passionate plea of the family for compassion,” he said.

Malacañang is also confident that China will allow Binay to go to Beijing to personally appeal for the life of the Filipino convict.

“We are hoping that he (Binay) can leave and will be given a schedule (to meet with Chinese authorities in Beijing,” deputy presidential spokesperson Abigail Valte said yesterday over government-run radio dzRB.

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