Filipina death row inmate’s sentence cut to life imprisonment

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has agreed to reach out to Indonesia to curtail Mary Jane Veloso, a Filipino death-row drug addict, from death sentence to life imprisonment.

Marcos also uncovered the development to reporters on Thursday, Nov. 21, following extensive diplomatic negotiations between the Philippines and Indonesia.

"That's a long process. That took a long time. Well, since I came into office, what we were trying to do — what we were working on was to have her removed from death row, first and foremost, to commute her sentence to life imprisonment," Marcos said during an interview in Nueva Ecija.

Moreover, Marcos ascribed the move to strong bilateral ties between the Philippines and Indonesia, explicitly mentioning the roles of former President Joko Widodo and current President Prabowo Subianto.

Justice Undersecretary Raul Vasquez, meanwhile, said Veloso will serve her sentence under Philippine custody, following conditions set by the Indonesian government.

Since the Philippines suspended the death penalty in 2006, her maximum penalty will be life imprisonment or reclusion perpetua.

Being subject to Philippine laws also means she can be subject to executive clemency, Vasquez said.

The Department of Justice assured Veloso that she would be protected during her detention in the Philippines. 

Justice Undersecretary Mico Clavano confirmed that the Correctional Institute for Women has a lower population density and secure facilities suitable for a high-profile detainee.

Veloso's transfer would remove the possibility of her facing execution because the Philippines, Asia's largest Roman Catholic nation, has long abolished the death penalty.

Veloso's case has caused a public outcry in the Philippines, where her family and supporters contend she is innocent and was unaware that 2.6 kilograms (5.7 pounds) of heroin was concealed in her suitcase. The drugs were discovered when she entered Indonesia.

Veloso traveled to Indonesia in 2010, where her godsister reportedly told her that a job as a domestic worker was awaiting her. Her godsister also allegedly provided the suitcase where the prohibited drugs were found.

Philippine authorities had filed criminal complaints, including for human trafficking, against illegal Filipino recruiters who arranged for Veloso to work in Indonesia, Clavano said. She added that she would serve as a crucial witness in the trial of the suspects when she returns.

Marcos said Veloso's story resonated with many in the Philippines as "a mother trapped by the grip of poverty, who made one desperate choice that altered the course of her life."

"While she was held accountable under Indonesian law, she remains a victim of her circumstances," Marcos said.

The Philippines has been a global source of manual labor, including many impoverished women who abandon their families for higher-paying jobs and better opportunities abroad. 

Alarming abuse, especially of Filipina house helpers, has prompted Philippine authorities to impose restrictions and safeguards but many continue to be exploited.

At least 59 Filipinos around the world face the death penalty, primarily for drug and murder convictions, the Department of Foreign Affairs in Manila said.