VP Binay to try to personally appeal Veloso’s case to Indonesian leader
Vice President Jejomar Binay will try to personally appeal to Indonesian President Joko Widodo to spare the life of Mary Jane Veloso, the Filipina facing execution in Indonesia for drug smuggling.
“I am hoping that we will be given the opportunity to personally appeal to His Excellency’s kind heart for the commutation of the sentence of Mary Jane,” Binay said in a press statement Monday.
Binay is set to fly to Indonesia on April 22 to attend the Asian–African Summit in Bandung, which will be attended by leaders from 29 countries who will “discuss peace, security, and economic development in the midst of emerging problems in many parts of the world.”
Veloso, 30, was convicted for drug smuggling after 2.6 kilograms of heroin was found in her suitcase by authorities at the Yogyakarta Airport in April 2010. The Philippine government's appeal for a judicial review was rejected by the Indonesian Supreme Court, but Filipino authorities said a second appeal was in the offing.
The Philippine government claims Veloso was not given a proper interpreter during her trial.
Compassion from Indonesia
While in Indonesia, Binay will hold bilateral discussions with his counterpart, Vice President Jusuf Kalla, on issues concerning Philippines and Indonesian relations.
Binay is also set to attend activities hosted by President Widodo, including a 20-minute historical walk from Savoy Homann Hotel to Gedung Merdeka.
“I intend to bring to His Excellency our people’s hope for compassion, given the circumstances surrounding the case,” said Binay, who is the presidential adviser on overseas Filipino workers concerns.
He said he hopes Indonesia will look on Veloso with compassion, since she is not part of any organized drug syndicate.
Mary Jane a victim
“She, too, was a victim,” Binay said, adding that a person whom Veloso trusted and knew personally “took advantage of her trust when she asked Veloso to hand carry a luggage containing illegal drugs.”
He further said that just recently, President Widodo had appealed to the King of Saudi Arabia not to execute an Indonesian domestic worker.
“I am certain His Excellency understands why we in government are doing all we can to save the life of our kababayan. It is the responsibility of governments to come to the aid of their countrymen, especially those in difficult circumstances,” said Binay.
While in Indonesia, Binay is also scheduled to hold a dialogue with the Filipino community there. —Amita O. Legaspi/KBK, GMA News
“I am hoping that we will be given the opportunity to personally appeal to His Excellency’s kind heart for the commutation of the sentence of Mary Jane,” Binay said in a press statement Monday.
Binay is set to fly to Indonesia on April 22 to attend the Asian–African Summit in Bandung, which will be attended by leaders from 29 countries who will “discuss peace, security, and economic development in the midst of emerging problems in many parts of the world.”
Veloso, 30, was convicted for drug smuggling after 2.6 kilograms of heroin was found in her suitcase by authorities at the Yogyakarta Airport in April 2010. The Philippine government's appeal for a judicial review was rejected by the Indonesian Supreme Court, but Filipino authorities said a second appeal was in the offing.
The Philippine government claims Veloso was not given a proper interpreter during her trial.
Compassion from Indonesia
While in Indonesia, Binay will hold bilateral discussions with his counterpart, Vice President Jusuf Kalla, on issues concerning Philippines and Indonesian relations.
Binay is also set to attend activities hosted by President Widodo, including a 20-minute historical walk from Savoy Homann Hotel to Gedung Merdeka.
“I intend to bring to His Excellency our people’s hope for compassion, given the circumstances surrounding the case,” said Binay, who is the presidential adviser on overseas Filipino workers concerns.
He said he hopes Indonesia will look on Veloso with compassion, since she is not part of any organized drug syndicate.
Mary Jane a victim
“She, too, was a victim,” Binay said, adding that a person whom Veloso trusted and knew personally “took advantage of her trust when she asked Veloso to hand carry a luggage containing illegal drugs.”
He further said that just recently, President Widodo had appealed to the King of Saudi Arabia not to execute an Indonesian domestic worker.
“I am certain His Excellency understands why we in government are doing all we can to save the life of our kababayan. It is the responsibility of governments to come to the aid of their countrymen, especially those in difficult circumstances,” said Binay.
While in Indonesia, Binay is also scheduled to hold a dialogue with the Filipino community there. —Amita O. Legaspi/KBK, GMA News
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