DFA clarifies only 1 Pinoy on death row in China

MANILA, Philippines - The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) clarified today that only one Filipino is currently on death row in China after being convicted of drug trafficking.

DFA spokesman, Assistant Secretary Eduardo Malaya, clarified in radio and television interviews that there are no “73 Filipinos on death row” in China.

"There is no such thing. There is only one," Malaya said in an interview on ABS-CBN News Channel's program, Headstart.

Malaya said that the 73 Filipinos, who have been meted with the death penalty, were actually given two-year reprieves, which is almost equivalent to life imprisonment.

He said the 73 Filipinos were represented by legal counsels and Philippine Consulate General officials in China “from their arrests and during their criminal trials and appeals.”

Philippine Consul Noel Novicio had explained yesterday that the death sentence of a convict in China can be lowered to life imprisonment during the two-year reprieve, depending on his good behavior while in detention.

Novicio added that the sentence can be lowered to a fixed term, also on the basis of the detainee’s good behavior.

Malaya said that only six Filipinos have been meted with death penalty without reprieve, including those who were executed yesterday -- Sally Ordinario-Villanueva, Ramon Credo and Elizabeth Batain.

Of the three remaining, two have recently been given two-year-reprieves and the other one is awaiting a final review and judgment by the Supreme People's Court in China.

"'Yan ang pinagtutuunan namin ng pansin," Malaya said.

The DFA spokesman declined to name the Filipino. He said the convict has asked the DFA not to reveal his name to the public.

He assured that the government is extending full assistance to the Filipino convict.

The DFA said in a statement that “high level representations for clemency on his behalf have also been made by Philippine officials at various levels and on numerous occasions.”

Meanwhile, the relatives of Batain arrived at the Ninoy Aquino Internatinal Airport via a Southern China Airlines flight at 11:10 a.m.

The relatives of Credo and Villanueva arrived before midnight yesterday.

Reports said Credo's ashes have already been brought by his relatives in Bacoor, Cavite, while the remains of Batain and Villanueva were expected to arrive next week.