Stolen credit card, Filipino imprisoned in Vietnam

Linda approached Bantay OCW regarding her daughter’s situation in Vietnam who is in jail.

In 2012, she was invited by her friend and live-in partner to go to Vietnam using a tourist visa.

When they arrived there, her daughter was involved in an illegal activity. Her friend stole the credit card of a Japanese national and used the credit card and forged the signature of the victim.

He got caught together with his companions. They were sued with fraud and are currently imprisoned in Vietnam. They are being detained in prison while the case is being heard in court.

Lawyer Deo Grafil, legal head of OFW Concerns, Office of the Vice President Jejomar Binay, personally advised Linda.

Her daughter has already filed an appeal and is currently waiting for the decision of the Vietnam court, based on the report of the Department of Foreign Affairs.

Linda wishes to pay a visit to her daughter in Vietnam but has no capability to go there. She has insufficient money to spend in traveling to Vietnam.

Her daughter went there as a tourist so she doesn’t have the privileges of an overseas Filipino worker (OFW).

She left the country as a tourist and was involved with an illegal activity when she arrived in Vietnam. Clearly, she didn’t go there for work.

The Philippine government has no provision in funding this kind of case.

Bantay OCW advised Linda that instead of stressing herself on how to go to Vietnam, even though she has money, it is better for her to send it to her daughter because she has to pay the amount of money she stole.

We also advised her to learn how to accept things that are beyond her control and will just focus on what she can control and what she can do.

Just like being patient and learning to accept what has happened to her daughter and not to insist on things she cannot do. She just has to let her daughter pay the consequences of her crime. Every sinful act has a consequence.

She also wishes to speak with her daughter on the phone. This is OK if the government of Vietnam allows it but in most cases, prisoners are not allowed to talk to their family members even through phone calls.

Grafil advised her that it is more practical for her to write a letter to her daughter and he will help her hand it over to her.

One more thing, her daughter is already 30 years old and is no longer a little girl. She is old enough to know what is right and what is wrong.

Oftentimes, when a person escaped from a crime he/she has been involved, he/she will keep on doing it, thinking that he/she will not be caught. When the time comes that the person will be caught, only until then that he/she will realize the nature of his/her actions.

In this case, her mother has to patiently wait on what the Philippine Embassy in Vietnam will report regarding the result of her daughter’s case . Whatever the final decision of the court will be, only then will Linda know how long her daughter will be in prison.

Bantay OCW is always here to continue guiding the distressed mother.

Susan Andes, also known as Susan K., can be heard over Radyo Inquirer dzIQ 990 AM, Monday to Friday, 10:30 a.m.-12 noon. Audio/video live streaming is at www.ustream.tv/channel/dziq

Helpline: 0927-6499870

E-mail: bantayocwfoundation

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