Gov’t working to save Pinay in Indonesia death row

Vice President Jejomar C. Binay on Monday assured that the Philippine government is exhausting all efforts to save the life of a Filipina facing death sentence in Indonesia for drug smuggling.

Binay made the assurance as speculations swirled that the fate of the Filipina who has not been named publicly would be discussed by President Benigno S. Aquino III and visiting Indonesian President Joko Widodo.

"The Philippine government has taken the proper legal steps in accordance with Indonesian laws," Binay, Aquino's adviser on Overseas Filipino Workers' (OFWs) Concerns said in a statement.

The Vice President maintained that efforts to save the Philippine national's life are in accordance with Indonesian laws.

"We respect their laws and will pursue all legal remedies in accordance with Indonesian laws and judicial process. We assure everyone that your government will extend all needed assistance to our kababayan," Binay said of the Filipina who is facing death by firing squad for smuggling heroin.

"Our embassy in Jakarta has been in constant touch with our kababayan to help her with anything she needs," he added.

‘No end to demolition job’

Meantime, Binay sees no end to the supposed "demolition job" against him despite the reported plan of the Senate Blue Ribbon subcommittee to wrap up its inquiry into the alleged overpriced Makati City Hall Building II and other anomalous deals being blamed on the country's second highest official.

Binay's spokesman Joey Salgado said Monday that they expect the "demolition ef- forts to continue until the election period."

"There are personalities who are using these allegations to cover up for their lack of concrete accomplishments and track record of service," Salgado said.

"They wish to deprive our people of the opportunity to benefit from the kind of service given by the Vice President to the people of Makati," he added.

Sen. Antonio Trillanes IV who initiated the probe against Binay reportedly said last week that the subcommittee may hold four more hearings before it ends the investigation next month.

He said the subcommittee will release its findings before the Senate adjourns in March.