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Presidential pardon for Mary Jane Veloso
By Nidz Godino
“We are celebrating already,” President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.told reporters Malacañang remained mum on calls to grant presidential pardon to Filipino death convict Mary Jane Veloso, saying only her return to the country was top priority.
Veloso arrives in Manila today, 14 years after being arrested and imprisoned in Indonesia for drug trafficking.
Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin declined to talk about possibility of the President granting pardon to the 39-year-old mother of two.
“Nothing to say yet on what may happen.. priority of PBBM ,President Bongbong Marcos) is to have Veloso repatriated without delay,” Bersamin told reporters in text message.
Speaking to reporters at Malacañang, Bersamin said premature to discuss granting of clemency.
“It’s premature, I have yet to see documents…so I cannot address that,” Bersamin said when asked if Indonesian government requested for period of time to serve her sentence before Marcos grants her clemency.
Asked whether the President would meet Veloso, Bersamin said, “We do not know…because she must first arrive here before we can make move.”
Veloso’s homecoming was made possible by adoption of Indonesian government of its new policy allowing transfer of custody over foreign prisoners to their countries of nationality.
On Dec. 6, Philippines and Indonesia signed agreement on transfer of Veloso back to Philippines, where she will serve remainder of her sentence.
Veloso was arrested in Yogyakarta in 2010 after authorities discovered over 2.6 kilograms of heroin in her suitcase. She was nearly executed by firing squad in 2015, but got reprieve after the late president Benigno Aquino III appealed to Indonesian government, arguing she could be vital witness in prosecuting drug syndicates.
Two of Veloso’s alleged illegal recruiters, Cristina Sergio and Julius Lacanlinao, were convicted for large-scale illegal recruitment in 2020 and were sentenced to life imprisonment.
Veloso may be detained in Correctional Institution for Women (CIW) in Mandaluyong City upon her transfer to Philippines.
Department of Justice (DOJ) spokesman Mico Clavano earlier said Indonesia has agreed to relinquish both physical and legal custody of Veloso to Philippines.
According to the Department of Foreign Affairs, Indonesian government was open to possible eventual grant of clemency to Veloso in the Philippines.
In recent interview with media from prison, Veloso described her transfer to the Philippines from Indonesia “miracle.”
On Monday, OFW party-list Rep. Marissa Magsino filed resolution asking Marcos to grant presidential pardon to Veloso.
For its part, Department of Health Secretary Ted Herbosa said they are ready to give medical assistance to Veloso,
Bureau of Corrections (BuCor) announced Veloso, upon her return to Philippines, will undergo mandatory five-day quarantine at Correctional Institution for Women as part of standard protocol for newly committed prisoners.
Veloso will be housed at the Reception and Diagnostic Center for up to 60 days, starting with five-day quarantine for medical observation and examination.
This will be followed by 55-day orientation period, where she will undergo diagnostic evaluations, initial security classification and orientation on rules, programs and privileges inside corrections facility.
During quarantine, Veloso will be placed in standard quarantine cell, where she will receive medical and physical examinations to assess her overall health.
She will also be interviewed by CIW officials to complete her registration and provide list of authorized visitors.
“After five-day quarantine period which will fall on Dec. 24, Veloso’s immediate family can visit her in time for Christmas, providing rare moment of connection during this transitional period,” BuCor director general Gregorio Pio Catapang Jr. confirmed.
Migrante International has called on the government to allow family of Veloso to welcome her when she returns from Indonesia today.
“After her grueling years in jail, it is but humane that she sees her mother, father and children when she arrives on Philippine soil,” Migrante International chair Joanna Concepcion said.
National Union of People’s Lawyers (NUPL) remains hopeful President Marcos would not allow Veloso to stay longer in detention facility and instead grant her executive clemency.
NUPL, has been representing Veloso and her family, sees no hurdle for Marcos to grant pardon to Veloso.
“We are not seeing any moral, legal hurdle for absolute pardon..as soon as possible, we hope President Marcos makes announcement…we hope it comes before Christmas,” NUPL chairman Edre Olalia said.
Olalia pleaded with government to allow Veloso’s parents, Cesar and Celia, to welcome her at Ninoy Aquino International Airport instead of at Correctional Institute for Women as advised by DOJ.
“We will continue to appeal to their good hearts consistent with Filipino culture, tradition and sensitivity and in spirit of the season to allow family to meet her at the airport, even privately for short immediate reunion and quick hug at least,” he said.
Militant group Bagong Alyansang Makabayan (Bayan) also echoed Olalia’s call, saying people who Veloso should see upon her arrival at the airport are her parents.
Bayan president Renato Reyes said it is humane thing for government to do, apart from giving Veloso pardon. “Clemency must be given to her when she arrives…government should bring her home before Christmas,” he said over Viber.
Former Bayan Muna congressman Carlos Zarate also called on Philippine authorities to show compassion. “Mary Jane Veloso is not criminal but victim of human trafficking…her homecoming should not be treated as prisoner transfer but as return of Filipino who has suffered enough,” Zarate said.
Aside from reunion, Kabataan party-list is calling for presidential clemency for Mary Jane, and termination of labor export policy.
“The case of Mary Jane mirrored situation of thousands of young Filipinos who are forced to work abroad because of lack of opportunity in the Philippines,” Kabataan spokesperson Renee Co said.
For his part, Kabayan party-list Rep. Ron Salo lauded President Marcos for successful negotiation of Veloso’s return, saying Marcos has shown his dedication to Filipino migrant workers.
“President Marcos has demonstrated remarkable leadership and compassion by ensuring Mary Jane’s safe return. .. decisive action reflects his commitment to addressing hardships endured by our migrant workers,” Salo said.
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