MANILA, Philippines – The race to save the life of convicted overseas Filipino worker (OFW) Joselito Zapanta was one that the Philippine government has unfortunately lost. (READ: ‘35-year-old Filipino executed in Saudi Arabia‘)

Zapanta was convicted in Saudi Arabia for the murder and robbery of his Sudanese landlord 6 years ago. 

The family of the victim demanded a payment of P55 million, or 5 million in Saudi riyal, so that Zapanta could be spared from death penalty. However, the government was only able to raise about P23 million, failing to save Zapanta from death row.

Inquiry on blood money

On Monday, February 1, Senator Cynthia Villar said that she will file a resolution to determine the status of the P23-million blood money that the government raised for Zapanta.

Another question raised was what to do with the blood money. If it were up to Villar, she wants all of it to be given to the Zapanta family, especially because the executed OFW left behind two children.

The senator said, however, that those who made contributions should be asked what they want to do with the money raised.

Rappler asked its readers about their thoughts on where the blood money should go. Below were some of the answers posted by netizens. 

Netizens weigh in

For some netizens, the money should all be given to the family Zapanta left behind.

For others, however, only a part of the blood money should be given to his family, and the remaining, put in a fund for other OFWs in distress.

What do you think? Share your comments or write about them on X! – Rappler.com