Kuwaiti Emir to look into Vecina's case - Palace

MANILA, Philippines - President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo on Saturday reiterated the government's commitment to save overseas Filipino worker May Vecina, who faces the death penalty in Kuwait, following the recent visit there by vice president Manuel "Noli" de Castro Jr.

A Malacañang statement said Mrs Arroyo recalled her assurance last April 2 that her administration was already holding talks with the government of Kuwait to save Vecina, 28.

"As much as we can, we will extend legal and consular assistance to our OFWs who are in trouble," she said.

Earlier, the Kuwaiti Supreme Court upheld Vecina's death penalty for killing her employer's youngest son in January 2007.

De Castro had brought to Kuwait the Philippine government's condolences over the death of former Kuwaiti Emir Sheikh Abdullah al-Sabah.

But de Castro also said he "gained the attention of Kuwaiti Emir Sabah IV Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al Sabah on the case of May Vecina while he was in the Middle East country to pay his respects in behalf of the Philippines to former Kuwaiti Emir Sheikh Abdullah al-Sabah who died recently."

De Castro said he was "granted 10 precious minutes with the highest Kuwaiti official regarding relevant issues that included the fate of Vecina."

"We will see what we can do," the Palace statement quoted the Emir as reportedly telling De Castro.

De Castro led last Thursday the Philippine mission to "bring the letter of condolences sent by the Philippine government to the family of the deceased emir."

With De Castro were Foreign Affairs Undersecretary for Migrant Workers Affairs Esteban Conejos Jr., Ambassador Ricardo Endaya and De Castro's chief of staff Jesse Andres. - GMANews.TV

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