GMA’s Kuwait trip called off

President Arroyo’s planned side trip to Kuwait to appeal for the life of Filipino worker Marilou Ranario will not push through.

Press Secretary Ignacio Bunye confirmed this Wednesday night but did not give any reason.

The President wanted to personally meet with Emir Sheikh Sabah al-Ahmad al-Sabah to appeal for clemency for Ranario, who was sentenced to death by hanging for the murder of her Kuwaiti employer.

Executive Secretary Eduardo Ermita on Wednesday said Malacañang and the Department of Foreign Affairs were working on the possible meeting. But Vice President Noli de Castro was quoted as saying that the emir was not in Kuwait at this time, which could have been the reason for the cancellation. – Marvin Sy