Philippines rejects appeal in high-profile murder case

MANILA (AFP) - The Philippines has rejected an appeal to pardon a Spanish-Filipino serving life in jail for murdering two women despite an award-winning documentary showing his innocence, the film-maker said on Monday.

Francisco "Paco" Larranaga filed an appeal to President Benigno Aquino after the 2011 release of "Give Up Tomorrow" highlighted major flaws in the case and won a series of awards, including one from the Philippine government.

However, the Department of Justice rejected the appeal on behalf of the president without giving an explanation, said Mr Marty Syjuco, the producer of the film who is also related by marriage to Larranaga.

"Everybody was hoping this film would make a difference," Mr Syjuco told AFP, adding the recent award by the Philippines' arts and culture commission for "bringing honour to the country" had raised false hopes for Larranaga.