Indonesia acknowledged that convicted migrant worker Mary Jane Veloso may be granted clemency, and has stated it will respect the Philippine’s decision on the matter.
On Friday last week, Indonesia’s Senior Minister for Law and Human Rights Affairs Yusril Ihza Mahendra and Philippines’ Department of Justice (DOJ) Undersecretary Raul Vasquez signed an agreement for Veloso’s repatriation.
“As instructed by President Prabowo (Subianto), if possible, we could resolve this case before Christmas,” Mahendra said, according to a report by Reuters. He added that Veloso could be brought back to the Philippines by around December 20.
Among the terms put forth by Indonesia was respect for the country’s court ruling against Veloso and her status as a prisoner under its authority; she is also prohibited from returning. In return, Indonesia accepts any resolution made concerning Veloso, including clemency. The Philippines agreed.
Additionally, both countries shook hands on the “reciprocal” nature of the arrangement.
“If one day Indonesia asks for its citizens jailed in the Philippines to be returned, they must consider it,” Mahendra stated.
Veloso will serve the remainder of her sentence in the Philippines, Mahendra said, recognizing she will be subject to the rules and regulations of the country. For one, Indonesia has been informed her death sentence will be converted into life imprisonment; second, as Mahendra has raised, is the matter of clemency.
Justice Assistant Secretary Mico Clavano echoed Mahendra in saying that only President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. has the prerogative to issue Veloso executive clemency, according to the Philippine Constitution. Clavano said there are many factors to consider, such as the Veloso family’s appeal, progressive groups’ appeals, but also her conviction, etc.
Indonesia and the Philippines reached an agreement to repatriate Veloso last month. She was arrested in 2010 following the discovery of 2.6 kg of heroin in her suitcase, but spared from execution in 2015 when Philippine officials requested Indonesia have her testify against a human and drug smuggling scheme.
Veloso has always insisted on her innocence, claiming she had been an unsuspecting drug mule for a Philippine employment recruiter.
