Editorial - Angst over drug mules better directed elsewhere

What exactly is the message that the Aquino government is trying to convey by continuing to lobby for the lives of three convicted Filipino drug mules set to be executed in China later this week?

To be sure, the taking away of life, any life, even those of convicted criminals, is always a sad thing. As had been said many many times, the death of one person always diminishes all of humanity.

Unfortunately, the conduct of human life on earth is governed by the earthly laws of man, all of which are essentially imperfect, with the degrees of imperfection varying from country to country.

China is a sovereign country with sovereign laws which the Philippines has absolutely no dominion or influence over. Not that the Philippines cannot try, with either diplomacy or a plea for compassion.

But China has already spoken, and as a fellow and equal sovereign state, the Philippines ought to have taken it at that, as a gesture of respect. To keep on tugging at the sleeves of China is not only bad manners, it is pathetic.

Not that we should be unfeeling for our compatriots faced with the terrible prospect of death. Neither should we fail to commiserate with the relatives and friends of those about to be meted such horrifying punishment.

But unless we have questions or reservations about the conduct by which China subjected the three Filipinos to trial and justice — which by our silence meant we have accepted — then let us stop the pointless begging exercise.

Unless, of course, the Aquino government has an agenda, such as trying to project the image of keeping vigil to the very end. Nothing wrong with that, except that it is too hollow. And worse, it is being played at the expense of those who are about to die.

What this government should do instead is make sure Filipinos are dissuaded or prevented from falling into the same trap that must have enticed the three into taking chances with the rigid anti-illegal drug laws of China and other countries.