Absolute pardon mulled for Veloso

Filipina inmate on Indonesia death row, Mary Jane Veloso (C) reacts as she arrives at the Soekarno-Hatta International Airport in Tangerang on Dec. 17, 2024, for her repatriation to Philippines.

AFP / Juni Kriswanto

MANILA, Philippines — President Marcos is considering granting an absolute pardon to Mary Jane Veloso, who has been detained for over a decade following her conviction in Indonesia for drug trafficking, Malacañang said yesterday.

Asked about Bataan Rep. Albert Garcia’s remark that the President is seriously considering an absolute pardon to Veloso based on humanitarian grounds, Palace press officer Claire Castro said, “Confirmed.”

“As for the specific details, I am not the one authorized to disclose them at this time,” she noted.

As for whether Veloso would be pardoned by Christmas, Castro said: “Should I preempt the President? It might happen earlier. We don’t know. Let us see. Let the President talk about it.”

Veloso was on Indonesia’s death row for drug trafficking.

She was arrested in Yogyakarta in 2010 after authorities discovered over 2.6 kilos of heroin in her suitcase.

Veloso was almost executed by firing squad in 2015, but got a reprieve after then president Benigno Aquino III appealed to the Indonesian government, arguing she could be a vital witness in prosecuting drug syndicates.

On Dec. 6, 2024, the Philippines and Indonesia signed an agreement on Veloso’s transfer to the Philippines, where she will serve the remainder of her sentence.

Citing what was conveyed to her, Castro said it is not necessary for the Philippines to inform Indonesia of its decision.