Duterte ready to accept Widodo's decision on Mary Jane Veloso's fate
President Rodrigo Duterte on Monday said he would intercede on behalf of Mary Jane Veloso, the Filipina on death row in Indonesia, but added he is willing to accept any decision on her fate.
At a press briefing in Davao City before flying to Laos for the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Summit, Duterte said he would meet with Indonesian President Joko Widodo when he visits Indonesia after the summit.
"I may just have to ask Widodo in the most respectful and very very courteous way. And if my pleadings will fall on deaf ears, I am ready to accept it," Duterte said, adding he does not doubt the judicial system of Indonesia.
"I will plead for mercy. But if I am denied, I will be grateful that she has been treated very well," he added.
Veloso's execution via firing squad was put on hold at the last minute in April last year to allow her to testify against the recruiters who she said duped her into carrying 2.6 kilograms of heroin to Indonesia in 2010.
Her alleged recruiters, Maria Cristina Sergio and Julius Lacanilao, are currently facing charges of illegal recruitment before a local court in Nueva Ecija.
Duterte is set to fly to Indonesia on September 8 to 9.
Malacañang earlier said that while in Indonesia, Duterte may also visit Veloso in jail. —KBK, GMA News
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