Manila (Philippine Daily Inquirer/ANN) - Americans
in the Philippines have been advised to keep their noses clean because the US
government will not be able to help them if they are sentenced to prison.
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"Be prepared to face the realities of
what are by American standards inadequate facilities, poor food and deficient
sanitation in prisons," warned the US Embassy in Manila.
American nationals who happen to be "in
detention after arrest or are already serving a prison term upon
conviction" in the country "should provide the embassy with the names
of family or friends for financial assistance to enable you to buy dietary
supplements and basic necessities like soap and toothpaste," the embassy
said in an "Emergency Services" advisory posted on its website.
According to the mission, "the consul can
help you arrange for remittances to be sent so as to ensure that the money
reaches you intact."
The embassy also warned that "because of
the incidence of violations of the Dangerous Drugs Act of the Philippines, it
is necessary that Americans facing drug charges understand that stiff penalties
are meted out to offenders."
"It is not correct to assume¿as many
do¿that the worst punishment an American can receive for such a violation is
deportation. Offenders are generally arrested by operatives of the Philippine
National Police (Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency) and until granted
bail-which is not allowed in all cases-they remain in the custody and generally
are confined in the rehabilitation center at Camp Bicutan in Taguig (City). In
some drug cases where the amount found is more than 40 grams bail may not be
available," it said.
The embassy noted that "under the amended
Dangerous Drugs Act, the penalty for the use or possession of 750 grams or more
of marijuana is reclusion perpetua (20-40 years) to death. The possession or
use of prohibited drugs in the amount of 40 grams or more, such as opium,
heroin, cocaine or hallucinogens, carries a penalty of reclusion perpetua to
death plus immediate deportation after completion of the sentence."
"As of now, there is a moratorium of
undefined length on executions," the embassy noted.
It reminded US nationals that while in the
Philippines, they are "subject to Philippine laws and regulations which
sometimes differ significantly from those in the United States and may not
provide the same protections available in the US."
"Penalties for breaking the law can be
more severe than in the US for similar offenses. Persons violating the law,
even unknowingly, may be expelled, fined, arrested or imprisoned. Penalties for
possession, use or trafficking of illegal drugs in the Philippines are strict and
convicted offenders can expect jail sentences and fines," it said.
The mission also said the US government
"cannot arrange for an American citizen to be released from jail or
prison."
"US citizenship does not entitle anyone
to special privileges in the Philippine legal system. The US embassy does not
have the authority to intervene in the Philippine justice system and cannot act
as a legal representative or provide legal advice to US citizens," it
said.
But the embassy made the assurance that the US
Department of State is "committed to ensuring fair and humane treatment
for American citizens imprisoned overseas."
"We assist incarcerated citizens and
their families within the limits of our authority in accordance with
international, US and Philippine laws. We monitor conditions in foreign prisons
and protest allegations of abuse against American prisoners. We work with
prison officials to seek treatment consistent with internationally recognized
standards of human rights and due process."
"An embassy duty officer is always
available for emergency assistance. The embassy's American Citizen Services
Section is available to assist in all matters relating to the arrest of an
American citizen," it said.
Jerry E. Esplanada in Manila/Philippine Daily
Inquirer | ANN
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