Manila: Relatives of a Filipino who was convicted of drug trafficking have left for China to see him before his scheduled state execution tomorrow, a senior official said.
"Four of them left for China. They were accompanied by a senior Philippine official," said Raul Hernandez, Foreign Affairs spokesman.
"Hopefully, on December 8, they will be allowed to see their brother for the promulgation of the sentence in the court in Guilin [southern China]," said Hernandez, adding, "In China, relatives are allowed to see the convict for 40 minutes to one hour before the prisoner is brought to court for the promulgation of his sentence and the implementation of his execution."
Optimistic
Prior to reaching Guilin, the relatives will be in Guangxi tomorrow. They will attend a mass that the Philippine Embassy in China has scheduled for the condemned man and his family. "That's the first activity of the relatives when they arrive in China," said Hernandez.
Their flight details, however, were not released.
Despite this arrangement, Hernandez said the Philippine government has high hopes the Chinese court will allow a reprieve for the man.
"We are still hoping they will change their minds and give our kabayan [countryman] a chance to reform his life and be able to contribute to our society," said Hernandez.
Earlier, China turned down the proposed visit of Philippine Vice-President Jejomar Binay, who was sent by Philippine President Benigno Aquino, to appeal the case.
Despite this Binay said, "I remain optimistic. I feel Beijing has not totally closed its doors to my visit so I can personally hand over the appeal of President Aquino."
The Supreme Court of China has declared the sentence final and executory. The 35-year-old Filipino was arrested for possessing nearly 1.5 kilos of heroin on his arrival at Guilin International Airport on September 13, 2008.
