DFA logo and building facade. INQUIRER FILE PHOTO)
MANILA, Philippines — The Indonesian government has not requested any “payback” for drug convict Mary Jane Veloso’s repatriation to the Philippines, Foreign Affairs Undersecretary Eduardo de Vega said.
He said this in a Palace briefing as he debunked speculations that Indonesia’s favor to the Philippines comes with something in return.
READ: Mary Jane Veloso clemency by Marcos? Indonesia open to that – DFA
“The Indonesians have not requested any payback. May I clarify, this is not in return for anything,” he said.
“Of course, from Asean [Association of Southeast Asian Nations], we know about debt of gratitude and that similarly, they may request something for us in the future, but right now they are not asking anything in return for this arrangement,” he continued.
De Vega added that Indonesia “have always been gracious” to the Philippines, citing their role in the arrest and repatriation of Alice Guo (real name: Guo Hua Ping) last September.
“So, this is a good sign of what we expect under the new presidency in Indonesia, President Prabowo and their friendship with President Bongbong Marcos. They haven’t asked for anything. But of course, in the future, if they may, then certainly the Philippines will remember his gesture on the part of Indonesia for our kababayan [countrymen],” he said.
Veloso, who is on death row, is anticipated to return to the Philippines, although her legal custody would remain under Indonesia.
READ: Legal custody of Mary Jane Veloso to remain under Indonesian gov’t’
The Philippine government is considering the Correctional Institution for Women in Mandaluyong City or the National Bureau of Investigation facility as her detention center in the country.
In 2010, Veloso was arrested at Adisucipto International Airport in Yogyakarta after she was found in possession of more than 2.6 kilograms of heroin.
Veloso maintained she was unaware of the contents of her luggage as it was only given by her recruiters, identified as Julius Lacanilao and Maria Cristina Sergio.