Malacañang on Tuesday confirmed that President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. has not yet made a decision on a possible grant of clemency for Mary Jane Veloso, as legal and diplomatic reviews continue.
Communications Undersecretary and Palace Press Officer Claire
Castro said the Office of the Executive Secretary is carefully examining relevant laws and reviewing minutes of past meetings with Indonesian officials to determine the President’s options.
“Aaralin po kung ano pa iyong mga probisyon at kung ano ba iyong minutes of the meeting nila sa bansang Indonesia,” Castro explained, stressing that the President’s prerogative will prevail.
“Titingnan po nila kung walang anumang malalabag na batas at, muli, prerogative po ng Pangulo kung anuman po ang kaniyang igagawad dito.”
Veloso was arrested in Yogyakarta in 2010 for allegedly carrying 2.6 kilograms of heroin. She has consistently maintained her innocence, claiming she was deceived by recruiters in Manila.
Her execution was previously halted after Philippine authorities informed Indonesia that her alleged recruiters had surrendered.
Repatriated in 2024, Veloso is currently serving the remainder of her sentence at the Correctional Institute for Women in Manila.