NATIONAL
Advocates Philippines
PBBM Appeals To Indonesian President Widodo In Mary Jane Veloso Case
Photo credit: PCO
President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has appealed to Indonesian President Joko Widodo to reexamine the case of Mary Jane Veloso, a convicted overseas Filipino worker, during their meeting on the sidelines of the 42nd ASEAN Summit and Related Summits in Labuan Bajo, Indonesia.
In his statement to reporters, Marcos shared that he asked Widodo to consider reexamining the case as a favor to the Philippines. He also emphasized the Philippine government's efforts in working on Veloso's case and their respect for Indonesia's laws regarding illegal drug charges.
According to Marcos, he raised the issue while walking with Widodo during one of the events in the recently concluded ASEAN Summit. He added that the Indonesian president acknowledged the Philippine government's request but reiterated their commitment to uphold their laws and the ongoing legal proceedings in Veloso's case.
The Philippine government has been working on Veloso's case since her arrest in 2010 for allegedly smuggling more than 2.6 kilograms of heroin. She was sentenced to death the same year but was given a last-minute reprieve after the Philippine government intervened.
Since then, the Philippine government has been seeking Veloso's pardon, commutation of her sentence, or even extradition to serve her sentence in the Philippines. The Department of Foreign Affairs has also been in constant communication with the Indonesian government to provide legal assistance to Veloso.
Despite the postponements of Veloso's execution, Marcos emphasized that the Philippine government is not giving up on her case and will continue to pursue all legal remedies available to them.
The plight of Mary Jane Veloso has gained international attention, with human rights groups and the international community calling for her release. With President Marcos' appeal to President Widodo, the hopes for a favorable outcome in Veloso's case continue to be high.
In his statement to reporters, Marcos shared that he asked Widodo to consider reexamining the case as a favor to the Philippines. He also emphasized the Philippine government's efforts in working on Veloso's case and their respect for Indonesia's laws regarding illegal drug charges.
According to Marcos, he raised the issue while walking with Widodo during one of the events in the recently concluded ASEAN Summit. He added that the Indonesian president acknowledged the Philippine government's request but reiterated their commitment to uphold their laws and the ongoing legal proceedings in Veloso's case.
The Philippine government has been working on Veloso's case since her arrest in 2010 for allegedly smuggling more than 2.6 kilograms of heroin. She was sentenced to death the same year but was given a last-minute reprieve after the Philippine government intervened.
Since then, the Philippine government has been seeking Veloso's pardon, commutation of her sentence, or even extradition to serve her sentence in the Philippines. The Department of Foreign Affairs has also been in constant communication with the Indonesian government to provide legal assistance to Veloso.
Despite the postponements of Veloso's execution, Marcos emphasized that the Philippine government is not giving up on her case and will continue to pursue all legal remedies available to them.
The plight of Mary Jane Veloso has gained international attention, with human rights groups and the international community calling for her release. With President Marcos' appeal to President Widodo, the hopes for a favorable outcome in Veloso's case continue to be high.
May 12, 2023
