Board of Parole and Pardons needs to study her case, says DOJ
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. yesterday said it was still too early for him to decide on the calls for clemency of convicted drug courier Mary Jane Veloso.
“We still have to have a look at really what her status is. And then of course, we’re aware of the request for clemency from her, from her family,” he told reporters on the sidelines of the change-of-command of the Philippine Air Force in Pasay City.
The President added “it would take a long time” before it could be determined whether or not freeing Veloso was “appropriate.”
“The Indonesian government did not give any conditions. So, it’s really up to us. But we’re still at the very preliminary stage,” he said.
Veloso’s supporters led by Migrante International and church-based Task Force Save Mary Jane have launched a signature campaign urging the President to grant clemency to Veloso.
In a separate interview, Justice Undersecretary Jesse Andres said the Board of Pardons and Parole would have to study the grant of executive clemency to Veloso before making such a recommendation to the President.
“Our President is right; we have rules and laws that must be followed,” he said.
“The Board of Pardons and Parole should make the proper evaluation. There must be a recommendation from the Board of Pardons and Parole for it to be elevated to our President before he grants executive clemency or pardon,” he added.
Veloso is now at the Correctional Institution for Women in Mandaluyong City where she is currently undergoing a five-day quarantine. This will be immediately followed by a 55-day orientation, diagnostic evaluation and initial security classification.
The President had expressed gratitude to the Indonesian government and reaffirmed the Philippines’ commitment to Veloso’s safety.
“We take this opportunity to extend our gratitude to the Indonesian government and to all who have extended assistance for the welfare of Ms. Mary Jane Veloso,” Mr. Marcos said.
“We assure the Filipino people that Ms. Veloso’s safety and welfare is paramount and our agencies in the justice and law enforcement sector shall continue to ensure it, as our Indonesian counterparts have safeguarded it for so long,” he added.
Mr. Marcos said that the Philippine government welcomes Veloso’s transfer, hailing the Indonesians for its cooperation and friendship.
Moreover, the chief executive emphasized that Veloso’s repatriation highlights the strength of Philippine-Indonesian relations and reflects the ongoing efforts of his administration to uphold the welfare of Filipinos abroad.
Editor’s Note: This is an updated article. Originally posted with the headline: “Marcos defers clemency request of Mary Jane Veloso to legal experts”
