DoJ: PBBM still thinking of possible Veloso clemency

The Department of Justice (DoJ) on Wednesday said it will give President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. time to decide whether or not to grant Mary Jane Veloso executive clemency or a pardon.

This was explained by Justice Undersecretary Jesse Andres during a press conference held at the Correctional Institution for Women (CIW) in Mandaluyong City, where Veloso was brought right after her arrival from Jakarta, Indonesia, early Wednesday morning.

Andres told reporters that Veloso still has a long time to serve in jail because she was sentenced to life imprisonment and the death penalty only in 2010. However, he noted that executive clemency may be granted, and he is not focusing on the number of years she will spend in jail.

He explained that the decision should come at the right time to respect Indonesia, as they want her to serve life imprisonment. However, it is also part of the agreement that the Philippines has the right to implement rules on executive clemency.

In November, President Marcos announced that Manila and Jakarta had reached an agreement to transfer Veloso to the Philippines, thanking newly elected Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto and his government for their goodwill.

In 2010, Veloso was convicted of drug trafficking and was placed on death row in Indonesia.

Veloso’s camp has been appealing to Marcos to grant her clemency in time for Christmas.

Andres said the fate of Veloso, who was served “adobo” at the CIW as her breakfast, is now up to the President.

“Our President is the one who should be asked about the next possible steps. Right now, we need to meet with him because we don’t want to preempt anything that the Indonesian government can do,” said Andres.

He added that since Veloso has just arrived, it is appropriate to give the President time to exercise his right to grant executive clemency or a pardon.

Further, the DoJ official said that Veloso must first receive medical attention and undergo other documentation processes. She will also be given time to be with her family at the women's correctional facility.

He also mentioned that Veloso will not be given any special treatment while in detention.

Regarding a potential request for her to go home to Nueva Ecija, Andres said it is unlikely that she will be granted special treatment because the government must uphold the rule of law. Any person serving a sentence cannot simply return to their province.

Additionally, the Bureau of Corrections (BuCor) will ensure Veloso’s safety and security while at the CIW.

Earlier, her parents, Cesar and Celia, appealed to the Philippine government for her to be transferred to a safer local facility due to concerns over threats from the international drug syndicate that implicated her.