VP Noli flies to Kuwait

Vice President Noli de Castro flew to Kuwait yesterday afternoon as President Arroyo’s special envoy in extending the nation’s condolences for the recent passing of Emir Sheik Jaber Al-Ahmed Al-Sabah.

Another mission of the Vice President is to intercede with the new emir, Emir Sheik Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, on behalf of overseas Filipino worker Marilou Ranario. Ranario, who works as a household help, was earlier sentenced to death by hanging for the killing of her Kuwaiti employer.

De Castro was accompanied by his wife Arlene, who belongs to the famous Sinsuat clan from Mindanao, as well as his chief and assistant chiefs of staff, Atty. Jesse Andres and Atty. Pong Ponferrada.

"The Vice President will seek the Emir’s intercession in talking to the aggrieved family of the victim and ask their forgiveness to save the life of our kababayan," said Andres.

Included in the high level delegation are Ambassador Amable Aguiluz, Chief State Prosecutor Jovencito Zuño, Foreign Affairs Undersecretary Esteban Conejos and OWWA Deputy Administrator Angelo Jimenez.

De Castro is set to meet tomorrow with the new Emir Sheik Sabah, newly crowned Prince Sheik Nawaf and the new Prime Minister Sheik Nasser.

De Castro is also eyeing to discuss with Kuwaiti officials the continued improvement of trade relations between the Philippines and Kuwait.

The Vice President has already met with some members of the Filipino community in Kuwait and discussed various OFW problems and concerns.