Whole again Mary Jane Veloso (center) is reunited with her sons (back right) and parents (left) after she arrived at the Correctional Institution for Women in Manila. Veloso spent nearly 15 years on Indonesia’s death row, She landed in Manila on 18 December where she was taken to a local prison following a repatriation deal years in the making.
Ted ALJIBE/AGENCE FRANCE-PRESSE
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In the spirit of Christmas, the Bureau of Corrections (BuCor) allowed the family of Mary Jane Veloso to visit her this holiday season.
The BuCor stated that while the family could bring food for their visit, taking pictures or videos in the reception area of the Correctional Institution for Women in Mandaluyong was not allowed. The bureau also reminded the family that Veloso remains a person deprived of liberty (PDL).
Veloso, who was convicted of drug trafficking in Indonesia, was recently transferred to Philippine custody. This Christmas marks the first time in more than a decade that she is able to celebrate with her family.
“Yes, bumisita pero nag-request kasi siya na no media coverage,” (Yes, they visited, but she requested no media coverage), said a BuCor Public Information Officer who wished to remain unnamed.
Reports indicated that over 20 siblings and relatives visited Veloso, including her two children, who traveled from Nueva Ecija.
“Akala namin mamamatay na kaming mag-asawa na hindi na namin makikita si Mary Jane. Hindi na namin makakapiling. Pero, ayun, pinagbigyan kami. Himala ng Diyos,” (We thought we would die without seeing Mary Jane, without being with her. But a miracle happened), Celia, Veloso’s mother, said.
The family once again appealed to President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. for clemency, asking for mercy, given that Veloso has already suffered for a long time.
Earlier, Marcos stated that the possibility of granting clemency to Veloso is still "far off," adding that he would trust the judgment of legal experts regarding the matter.
Veloso’s lawyer, Atty. Edre Olalia, argued that there are no remaining obstacles to granting clemency.
“I read very carefully the statement of the coordinating ministries. It says that the responsibility for rehabilitation, remission, or clemency is now passed on to the Philippine government, and they will respect that,” he said last week.
Indonesia has indicated it would respect any decision made by the Philippines, including if Veloso is granted clemency.
