PNoy exerted efforts to save Pinay drug convict in Indonesia – DFA

The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) on Wednesday defended President Benigno Aquino III from criticisms that he has done little to save Mary Jane Veloso, a Filipina facing execution in Indonesia after having been convicted for drug smuggling.
 
In a statement forwarded to the media by presidential spokesman Edwin Lacierda, the DFA said Aquino has repeatedly written to former President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono and President Joko Widodo for appeal for clemency for Veloso.
 
“The Philippine government has exerted and continues to exert all legal and diplomatic means to save the life of Ms. Veloso, including the President sending letters to his Indonesian counterparts, former President Yudhoyono and President Widodo for clemency,” the DFA said.
 
The DFA added that Aquino “raised her case personally with President Widodo earlier this year.” 
 
Widodo paid a courtesy call on and met with Aquino during his visit to the Philippines last February. However, there was no mention of Veloso’s case in the leaders’ joint statements during Widodo’s state visit to the Philippines. 
 
During a press conference on Tuesday, Veloso’s family appealed to President  Aquino “to exert all efforts” to save Mary Jane from the death penalty. 
 
Gary Martinez, chairperson of migrant worker group Migrante, meanwhile accused Aquino’s government doing little to save Veloso from death row.
 
Veloso was arrested at the Yogyakarta Airport in April 2010 for allegedly trafficking 2.6 kilograms of heroin. She entered Indonesia from Malaysia as a tourist.
 
Manila appealed for a judicial review of Veloso’s case, but this was denied by Indonesia’s high court last month. Philippine officials plan to seek a second review. — Andreo Calonzo/RSJ, GMA News

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