THE private counsel of Mary Jane Veloso said that the developments which transpired on Tuesday could change the fate of her client.
In a radio interview, Atty. Edre Olalia said that when Veloso’s alleged recruiter Maria Kristina Sergio turned herself in to authorities on Tuesday, it gave hope that the Filipina domestic helper’s life may be spared.
He said this development would prove Veloso’s innocence.
“Yung pagsuko ni Sergio at yung ka-live in niya ay nagpapatunay nang lubos na si Mary Jane ay walang kasalanan at biktima siya (Sergio and her live-in partner’s turning in to the police proves that Mary Jane is innocent and that she is a victim),” Olalia said in an interview over radio dzBB.
The lawyer also confirmed reports that President Joko Widodo called a Cabinet meeting upon learning that Sergio has turned herself in to authorities.
READ: Widodo calls Cabinet meeting after report of Veloso recruiter’s arrest
“Nagpatawag si President [Joko] Widodo ng meeting, partikular umano na pinag-uusapan mismo yung kaso ni Mary Jane at kausap niya ay iba’t ibang organisasyon (President Widodo called a meeting together, with other organizations, where Mary Jane’s case was particularly discussed),” he added.
Olalia said that they would remain guarded until a final decision is reached by Widodo.
He added that Veloso’s case is unique and that it deserves another review by the Indonesian court.
The lawyer said that Filipinos should not lose hope and continue praying for Veloso.
Sergio turned herself in to Nueva Ecija Provincial Police Office in Cabanatuan City at 10:30 a.m. because she was allegedly receiving death threats.
However, in an earlier television interview, she claimed that she is innocent of all allegations against her.
READ: Ecija Police: Sergio didn’t surrender; she voluntarily turned herself in
The 72-hour Indonesian deadline will end at 6 p.m. (Philippine Time). The Indonesian attorney general’s office said that it would not reveal the date of Veloso’s execution. AC