President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. on Tuesday said he would refrain from making statements on the transfer of Filipina death row convict Mary Jane Veloso to the country until her case is settled.

“We were asked by the Indonesian government not to make any announcements until everything is settled. So let’s respect that request,” Marcos told reporters on the sidelines of the inauguration of the Viaduct 3 in Pulilan, Bulacan.

Justice Assistant Secretary and spokesperson Jose Dominic Clavano said Veloso could be home before Christmas from Jakarta after being on death row for 14 years.

“We are very well aware that the Indonesian government has indicated or expressed their intention to transfer her custody from Indonesia to the Philippines before Christmas,” he said.

Veloso was arrested in Yogyakarta in 2010 after authorities discovered over 2.6 kilograms of heroin in her suitcase. She was sentenced to death the same year.

Additionally, Clavano said the permission of the Indonesian government would no longer be needed should the Philippines decide to grant an executive clemency to Veloso upon her return to the country.

The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) formally requested clemency for Veloso on 6 September 2022.

The Philippines and Indonesia have formally signed an agreement for Veloso’s repatriation.

Clavano noted that Indonesia did not set any conditions regarding Veloso’s case.

Bureau of Corrections (BuCor) Director General Gregorio Catapang Jr. said Veloso may be detained at the Correctional Institution for Women (CIW) in Mandaluyong City upon her return to the Philippines.

However, Catapang said the final decision on Veloso’s detention will rest with the Department of Justice. Nonetheless, the CIW has begun preparations in case she will be processed there.

“We’re already preparing because we anticipate that she will be brought to the CIW. As announced by Justice Assistant Secretary Clavano, she will be processed there inasmuch as she was already sentenced,” Catapang said.

The BuCor chief assured the public they are ready to accept Veloso once higher authorities issue the necessary orders.

Veloso’s health will be assessed upon her arrival, and she will undergo a five-day isolation period.

“After that, there will be a two-month assessment. Then, we may recommend if she should be placed in maximum, minimum, or medium security,” Catapang said.