Palace: Too early to say if PNoy will make second appeal for clemency for Veloso

President Benigno Aquino III might seek clemency anew for Mary Jane Veloso, the Filipina facing execution due to a drug-related case, if the situation calls for it, Malacañang hinted Saturday.
 
Deputy presidential spokesperson Abigail Valte said it is too early to say if the president will need to do so.
 
"Down the line, that’s a consideration, but that has not been decided yet. So hinihintay natin ‘yung magiging talagang kakalabasan ‘nung imbestigasyon at ‘nung iba pang ginagawa ng mga law enforcement agencies natin," she said on government-run dzRB radio, when asked if Aquino will ask Indonesian President Joko Widodo for clemency again for Veloso.
 
Veloso was given a reprieve by Indonesian authorities, but has not been given clemency on her conviction for drugs found in her suitcase in Yogyakarta airport in 2010.
 
She had said her recruiter, Kristina Sergio, may have set her up to unknowingly carry drugs in her luggage.
 
Earlier this week, the Department of Justice said Sergio admitted her links with an drug syndicate.
 
Sergio also reportedly admitted involvement in recruiting people to be drug mules. Sergio and her live-in partner Julius Lacanilao have denied admitting their ties to a drug syndicate.
 
When asked if the Philippines can turn over documents in the case against Sergio and Lacanilao to Indonesia and help Veloso, Valte said Justice Secretary Leila de Lima is already coordinating with her counterparts in Indonesia.
 
"(O)bviously the Indonesian government is also following the developments. I know that charges have already been filed against Kristine Sergio and (Julius Lacanilao), but in any case, the charges have been filed and that will have to be proven in court. And eventually, of course, lalabas ‘yung involvement doon sa sinasabing West African drug syndicate, lalabas ‘yung mga kasama, ‘yung mga accomplice diyan," she said.
 
Valte added these pieces of information "will also be relevant for our law enforcement authorities."
 
On the other hand, Valte said the Public Attorney’s Office, which is representing Sergio, will ensure her rights are protected.
 
"(I)n any case, if the Public Attorney’s Office as representatives of Ms. Sergio feel that some of her rights may have been violated, then, you know, they have to seek redress doon sa ongoing legal process. Kasi mayroon namang paraan ‘yan para makuwestiyon kung sakaling nagkaroon man ng violation," she said.
 
She added the prosecution will not rush an investigation and "will always keep in mind that all the proper legal steps have to be followed." — Joel Locsin/JDS, GMA News


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