DOJ welcomes Indonesia remark on Veloso’s possible clemency, but up to Marcos
Though the Department of Justice (DOJ) is happy with Indonesia saying that they would respect the possible grant of clemency to death row convict Mary Jane Veloso, but adds that such a decision is up to President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.
“Of course, we are happy to hear that from a sovereign state,” Justice spokesperson Mico Clavano said in an ambush interview.
“However, ang ating batas po dito, ‘yung Constitution ay nag bibigay poder kay Presidente lamang. So it is in the Constitution that only the President has the prerogative to issue executive clemency to any person deprived of liberty,” he added.
He said that the DOJ cannot preempt the decision of the president.
“Naririnig naman ho niya ‘yung mga appeal ng mga pamilya, ‘yung appeal ng ating mga progressive groups, but at the same time, but at the same time nakikita rin po niya ‘yung conviction sa Indonesia,” Clavano said.
(He hears the appeal of the family, the appeal of the progressive groups, but at the same time, he also sees the conviction in Indonesia.)
Clavano issued the remark when asked about Yusril Ihza Mahendra, Indonesia's senior minister for law and human rights affairs, saying that they would respect any decision made by the Philippines after Veloso returns home, including if she is given clemency.
Mahendra said that it is expected that Veloso may return before Christmas.
Justice Undersecretary Raul Vasquez and other officials are in Indonesia today for a meeting to discuss the details of Veloso’s return.
Clavano said they are still waiting for the results of the high-level meeting.
In November, President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. announced that the Philippine government reached an agreement with Indonesian authorities to bring Veloso back to the country. — BAP, GMA Integrated News