PH embassy files 2nd appeal to save Veloso from death sentence

Supporters display placards outside the Indonesian Embassy in Makati City during a picket on April 8 to ask for clemency for Mary Jane Veloso. AP

The Philippine Embassy in Jakarta has filed a second appeal for judicial review on the drug smuggling case of Mary Jane Veloso.

“Our embassy in Jakarta has filed today the second appeal for judicial review,” foreign affairs spokesperson Charles Jose said on Friday.

The appeal is a last-ditch effort of the Philippine government to save Veloso from death row in Indonesia via firing squad.

Veloso lost her first appeal in a judicial review of her case and the DFA considered filing a second appeal.

Jose said the second appeal for judicial review would focus on the argument that “Mary Jane was a victim of human trafficking.”

He said the Philippine Embassy had not received confirmation on the date of execution of Veloso.

The Filipina maid-turned drug convict on Friday morning had been transferred to an island prison where her execution would take place.

The DFA, however, said Veloso’s transfer to the island prison did not necessarily mean imminent execution.

According to him, the Philippine government is given 72 hours or three days before they “carry out the execution.”

He said Veloso’s family may still visit her on the prison island.

Veloso in 2010 was arrested at Yogyakarta airport after authorities found packs of heroin weighing 2.6 kilograms hidden inside her suitcase. The offense is punishable by death under Indonesian laws. AU/RC