Stay of execution for the 3 convicted Filipinos of drug trafficking was granted by the Chinese government on Friday.
The grant of stay came after Vice President Jejomar Binay held talks with Chinese officials in seeking leniency for the sake of the three Filipino convicts.
It was expressed in the joint statement the sincere appreciation of the Philippines to China for the decision of the Supreme People’s Court (SPC) to postpone the execution within the scope of the Chinese law.
The final verdict of the Supreme People’s Court for the 3 Filipinos sentenced to death for illegal drug trafficking and the decision to postpone the execution is within the scope of the Chinese Law, according the joint statement.
Philippine Vice President Jejomar Binay met Chinese officials and staff members in his visit: H.E. Mr. Wang Shengjun, President of the Supreme People’s Court, H.E. Mr. Zhang Zhijun, Executive Vice Minister of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and H.E. Mr. Dai Bingguo, State Councillor.
The two governments exchanged views on a wider range of issues with regards to bilateral relations and judicial cooperation working together and make joint efforts to strengthen the Philippine-China relationship.
The two countries are also determined to work together and fight against drug trafficking and all transnational crimes.
Originally China had rejected Philippine requests for a visit on behalf of the three drug mules, but surprisingly it softened its stance late Thursday.
Vice President Binay said, “We do not tolerate illegal drug trafficking, however, we believe that the three Filipino were just a victims of the international drug syndicate”.
Meanwhile, President Aquino said Friday that he sent letter of appeal to Hu Jintao his Chinese counterpart to call all Filipinos to unite in prayer.
The three Filipinos convicted of smuggling should face long prison sentences instead of execution.
