Manila: China has turned down an appeal by the Philippine government to defer the execution of a Filipino man convicted of drug smuggling, set for Thursday.
In a statement, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) in Manila said yesterday that the Chinese government is firm in its decision to execute the 35-year-old who was caught attempting to smuggle 1.5kg of heroin into China in September 2008.
"The verdict of the Supreme People's Court of China is final and executory and it will do everything to assist the family of the convicted Filipino national," the DFA said.
Despite this, Philippine Vice-President Jejomar Binay said he was confident China would still grant his request to visit the country and make a personal appeal to leaders.
"I remain optimistic. I feel that Beijing has not totally closed its doors to my visit so I can personally hand over the appeal of President Benigno Aquino," Binay said.
