President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. announced on Thursday that the Philippine government is considering clemency for Mary Jane Veloso, the Filipina convicted of drug trafficking in Indonesia.
“We will see. We will see… This is the first time something like this has happened,” President Marcos stated.
Veloso, who spent years on Indonesia’s death row, was arrested in 2010 for smuggling heroin. She has consistently maintained her innocence, claiming that a human trafficking syndicate duped her.
Mr. Marcos credited the strong diplomatic ties with Indonesia and efforts spanning multiple Philippine administrations for Veloso’s eventual return.
He highlighted the cooperation of both former Indonesian President Joko Widodo and current President Prabowo Subianto in finding a resolution.
“Our relations with Indonesia and its leaders made this possible,” he said. “They had no interest in executing or detaining Mary Jane, so they found a way to help us,” he added.
The president acknowledged the years-long advocacy by Veloso’s family and legal team, as well as the collective efforts of previous presidents in securing her commutation and eventual repatriation.
Veloso’s family has expressed gratitude for her release and hope for clemency, which could formally clear her name and allow her to fully rebuild her life after years of separation.
