VP Binay: OFW in death row in UAE acted in self-defense

Vice President Jejomar Binay (Facebook photo)

MANILA — Vice President Jejomar Binay believes the overseas Filipino worker (OFW) sentenced to death in the Middle East for killing her employer only tried to protect herself.

“Personally, speaking as a lawyer and upon initial appreciation of the facts as reported by the Philippine Embassy, it does look like Jennifer’s actions were justified,” he said.

Twenty-eight-year-old Jennifer Dalquez was sentenced to death on May 20 by the Al Ain Court of First Instance in Abu Dhabi for killing her Emirati employer.

Dalquez’s family, however, said Jennifer was only defending herself after her employer tried to rape her.

Binay, the Presidential Adviser on OFW Concerns, declined to provide further details on the case, saying there are still legal remedies the government will pursue.

However, he said he hopes Dalquez’s sentence will be overturned.

“It’s only a trial court. We can still appeal. It’s a long process. But the government will be there to help in the appeal,” he said.

Binay vowed to provide every possible means of assistance to Dalquez and her family, adding the help extended to Dalquez is the same being extended to all OFWs on death row.

”In the case of Mary Jane Veloso, our government hired lawyers for her for USD30,000,” Binay said.

Through the appeal of President Benigno Aquino III, Veloso has been granted a stay of execution in Indonesia after her recruiter surrendered in the Philippines last April 28.