President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. announced on Wednesday, Nov. 20, that convicted overseas Filipino worker (OFW) Mary Jane Veloso, who has been on death row in Indonesia for over a decade for drug charges, is finally returning to the Philippines.
In a social media post, Marcos thanked the Indonesian government for allowing Veloso’s return to the Philippines.
“I extend my heartfelt gratitude to President Prabowo Subianto and the Indonesian government for their goodwill. This outcome is a reflection of the depth of our nation’s partnership with Indonesia—united in a shared commitment to justice and compassion,” he wrote on X.
“Thank you, Indonesia. We look forward to welcoming Mary Jane home,” he added.
In an interview with State-run Radyo Pilipinas on Wednesday morning, Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) Undersecretary Eduardo de Vega said they are hoping to bring Veloso back to the Philippines by Christmas.
“Although, hindi pa ito napa-finalize, pagdasalan na natin na matapos na ito, na sana by Christmas makauwi na si Mary Jane,” he said.
On social media, President Marcos said Veloso’s case has been a long and difficult journey, noting that she was a victim of circumstances.
“After over a decade of diplomacy and consultations with the Indonesian government, we managed to delay her execution long enough to reach an agreement to finally bring her back to the Philippines,” he wrote.
“Mary Jane’s story resonates with many: a mother trapped by the grip of poverty, who made one desperate choice that altered the course of her life. While she was held accountable under Indonesian law, she remains a victim of her circumstances,” he added.
According to Indonesia’s Coordinating Ministry for Legal, Human Rights, Immigration and Correction, the “transfer of prisoner” is being eyed as an option in line with the Philippine government’s request. This came as Philippine Ambassador to Jakarta Gina Alagon Jamoralin met with Coordinating Minister Yusril Ihza Mahendra amid Manila’s constant efforts to seek clemency for Veloso.
The ministry said Yusril upheld Indonesia’s legal sovereignty and expressed commitment to enforce criminal sanctions imposed by its courts during the meeting.
But Indonesia’s recent consideration was also part of “constructive diplomacy” being pursued by both sides.
“This matter has been discussed internally within Kemenko Kumham Imipas (Coordinating Ministry for Legal, Human Rights, Immigration and Correction) and has also been brought to the attention of President Prabowo,” Yusril said.
“We are formulating a policy to resolve the issue of foreign prisoners in our country, either through bilateral negotiations or by devising a policy related to what is referred to in English as the transfer of prisoners,” he added.
However, Veloso will continue to serve her remaining sentence in the Philippines and will be subject to the conditions determined by the Indonesian court’s ruling. Jakarta is expecting that Manila would recognize its court decision and enforce the sentence determined in Indonesia.
In May 2023, former Indonesian president Joko Widodo said his government would reexamine Veloso’s case.
Veloso is on death row in Indonesia and was supposed to be executed by firing squad after she was caught with 2.6 kilograms of heroin at an Indonesian airport in 2010. Veloso denied knowledge of the contraband.
In April 2015, she was granted a last-minute reprieve after the late former President Benigno Aquino III personally appealed to Widodo for a reprieve on Veloso’s execution on the sidelines of the ASEAN Summit in Malaysia.
The Indonesian government delayed her execution after Veloso’s alleged recruiters had already surrendered to Philippine authorities.
More than a year later, reports stated that former President Rodrigo Duterte told Widodo that the Philippines would not interfere with Indonesia’s legal processes. (Argyll Geducos)
