Philippines: Statement of Foreign Affairs Secretary Romulo

STATEMENT OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS SECRETARY ALBERTO ROMULO ON DECISION PROMULGATED BY KUWAIT’S COURT OF CASSATION ON THE RANARIO CASE

27 NOVEMBER 2007

I am deeply saddened by our embassy’s report that the Highest Court of Kuwait has affirmed the death sentence on Marilou Ranario.

Our prayers go out to Marilou and her family at this difficult time. We will continue to appeal for clemency in her behalf. The final decision on whether this sentence shall be upheld or can still be reduced rests with the Emir of Kuwait.

The Philippine government has been extending legal assistance to Marilou since January 11, 2005. We have provided Marilou the best legal advice; we designated five seasoned and highly respected Kuwaiti lawyers to defend her case.

The President has spoken with the Emir of Kuwait by phone and written to him to request clemency for Marilou.

Vice President Noli de Castro has led a delegation to Kuwait — composed of Undersecretary Esteban Conejos, Chief State Prosecutor Jovencito Zuño, Ambassador Amable Aguiluz, OWWA Deputy Administrator Angelo Jimenez, DOH Drs. Bernardino Vicente and Edison Galindez, among others — and met with the Emir to reiterate the President’s request for clemency for Marilou.

I also have gone to Kuwait and appealed to Kuwaiti authorities to grant our people’s prayer for compassion for Marilou.

We assure our people that efforts to help Marilou and her family will continue.

President Arroyo has today directed Vice President de Castro, upon the suggestion of the Vice President himself, to immediately go to Kuwait to convey the government’s request for clemency for Marilou Ranario. END