Overseas Filipino worker Jenifer Bidoya, who was convicted of murder in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, was executed Tuesday despite appeals made by the Philippine Consulate.

Foreign Affairs Undersecretary Esteban Conejos said Bidoya, also known as Venancio Ladion, was executed at 10 a.m. Saudi time.

The death sentence was affirmed by the Tameez Court (Appellate Court) and the Supreme Judicial Council (Supreme Court) on 21 April 2008, despite appeals filed by the lawyer hired by the Philippine Consulate General in Jeddah to represent Bidoya before the Emir of Makkah, the Governor of Jeddah, and the Minister of Interior.

President Arroyo even wrote two letters to King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz Al-Saud requesting clemency for Bidoya and a deferment of issuance of Royal Decree of Execution.

Mrs. Arroyo also asked King Abdullah to designate an officer of the Royal Court to help convince the victim’s family to extend forgiveness in exchange for blood money.

However, the victim's family strongly refused to forgive Bidoya and insisted on their right to quisas or the imposition of equivalent penalty.

Under Sharia'h Law, the crime of murder results in a public and private liability. While the King of Saudi Arabia can forgive the public rights aspect of the case, he cannot extend clemency if the victim’s family insists on their right of quisas as they did on this case.

The DFA said it has already informed the family of Bidoya and is coordinating with the Department of Labor and Employment to extend assistance to Filipina's family.