PHL officials in Beijing make daily pleas for 3 convicts
While admitting that their chances are bleak, Philippine officials in Beijing are still pulling out all stops to spare the lives of the three Filipinos facing execution for drug-related offenses. Consul to China Noel Novicio said they had been making daily representations with Chinese officials at all levels when they learned of the affirmation of the death sentence for the three. âPatuloy ang ginagawa nating representation. Noong na-receive natin ang balitang ito araw-araw ang ginagawa nating representation to the highest level ng Chinese government," Novicio said in an interview on dzBB radio. (We continue to make representations. Since we learned of the upholding of the death sentences, we have been making daily representations with the Chinese government at the highest levels.) He declined to comment on the chances of success of the Philippine governmentâs efforts, which include a mission headed by Vice President Jejomar Binay. Novicio said they have about âone to two weeks" left to make the last-ditch efforts. âNaniniwala kami kahit napakaliit ng pagasa pero kailangan natin gawin kasi nakalaan tatlong buhay (We believe that even if our chances are bleak, we must do all we can to save the three lives)," he said.