NATIONAL
Advocates Philippines
Marcos: PH Government Persists In Seeking Clemency For Mary Jane Veloso
Photo credit: PCO
The administration of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. is continuously seeking executive clemency for Mary Jane Veloso, an overseas Filipino worker who has been imprisoned in Indonesia since 2010 on drug trafficking charges.
During the 42nd ASEAN Summit and Related Summits in Indonesia, Marcos informed reporters that the Philippine government has persistently sought Veloso's pardon, sentence commutation, or potential extradition to the Philippines from the Indonesian government.
However, he acknowledged that the Indonesian government has reiterated their adherence to the country's laws, emphasizing that the current postponement granted does not signify a final resolution.
Marcos stressed that the Philippine government remains committed to advocating for Veloso's case with their Indonesian counterparts,hoping that they might change their mind.
“We said, yes, we understand that she is convicted. We understand that the law in Indonesia is that way. But nonetheless, baka makahanap tayo ng paraan. Iuwi na lang namin ‘yan. Kami na magpaparusa sa kanya, whatever. Basta’t anyway to ask for clemency, to ask for grace when it comes to this,” Marcos said.
The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) requested Indonesia on Sept. 6, 2022, to grant clemency to Veloso, who was arrested in Yogyakarta in 2010 after she was caught carrying a suitcase filled with more than 2.6 kilograms of heroin. She was sentenced to death later that year.
During the 42nd ASEAN Summit and Related Summits in Indonesia, Marcos informed reporters that the Philippine government has persistently sought Veloso's pardon, sentence commutation, or potential extradition to the Philippines from the Indonesian government.
However, he acknowledged that the Indonesian government has reiterated their adherence to the country's laws, emphasizing that the current postponement granted does not signify a final resolution.
Marcos stressed that the Philippine government remains committed to advocating for Veloso's case with their Indonesian counterparts,hoping that they might change their mind.
“We said, yes, we understand that she is convicted. We understand that the law in Indonesia is that way. But nonetheless, baka makahanap tayo ng paraan. Iuwi na lang namin ‘yan. Kami na magpaparusa sa kanya, whatever. Basta’t anyway to ask for clemency, to ask for grace when it comes to this,” Marcos said.
The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) requested Indonesia on Sept. 6, 2022, to grant clemency to Veloso, who was arrested in Yogyakarta in 2010 after she was caught carrying a suitcase filled with more than 2.6 kilograms of heroin. She was sentenced to death later that year.
May 10, 2023
