Gov’t urged to stop helping convicted drug mules

MANILA, Philippines - Administration lawmakers yesterday called on Malacañang to adopt what they called a hands-off policy on cases involving Filipinos convicted of drug trafficking abroad following the execution of a Filipina drug mule in China last Wednesday. 

Western Samar Rep. Mel Senen Sarmiento said the failed bid of the government for commutation of the death sentence meted on the 35-year-old Filipina drug courier only proved that it is futile to attempt to intervene in another country’s judicial system.                

“I think that it’s time for us to adopt a hands-off policy on cases of Filipinos that involve narco-trafficking even in countries that still implement death penalty. It’s time that we stop unnecessarily placing our government’s war against drug abuse in serious question,” Sarmiento said.  He said while it is the obligation of the government to extend help to all distressed Filipinos abroad, legal assistance for those who are in trouble with the law should only be extended by the state during the trial stage for cases related to drug smuggling and trafficking.    

The lawmaker said the government should stop interceding for and on their behalf upon conviction, even if only to ask for the commutation of their sentence.      

“They are destroying the future of our youth and they are tearing families apart. We must stop protecting those who are behind this scourge even if they are Filipinos. They are an embarrassment to all of us and they do not deserve any of our sympathy,” Sarmiento said.       

Iloilo Rep. Jerry Treñas said drug smuggling is “a crime against humanity” and the government should show no mercy even if it involves a fellow Filipino.