STATEMENT ON CHINA DRUG CASE

Philippine Information Agency

Sorsogon Information Center

Capitol Compound, Sorsogon City

PRESS CONFERENCE

March 23, 2011

STATEMENT ON CHINA DRUG CASE

1 – The government has done everything possible to save the lives of the three Filipinos who were convicted by the Chinese court for the serious crime of drug trafficking. President Aquino sent Vice President Binay as his personal emissary and the Vice President obtained a stay in their execution last February 18, 2011 after meeting with the Chief Justice or highest-ranking magistrate of the People’s Republic of China.

2 – The three Filipinos were arrested, prosecuted and convicted within the scope of the laws of the PROC and we accord due respect to China’s legal system.

4 – The government, through the Department of Foreign Affairs, will continue to monitor and review the cases of other Filipinos arrested or convicted in China and elsewhere of drug-related and other crimes, for the purpose of protecting their legal rights and ensuring that they receive humane treatment.

5 – The joint efforts of government, led by NBI and PDEA, are making headways against the Western African drugs syndicates which have victimized Filipinos.