The Philippine and Indonesian government are now in talks regarding Mary Jane Veloso, an overseas Filipino worker (OFW) facing death row in Indonesia.
Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) Undersecretary Eduardo Jose de Vega said the Philippine government is doing all it can for Veloso as her case was already set in talking between the two sides for some time now.
"We hope that we will come out with a mutually agreed solution, which will be to the utmost benefit of Ms. Veloso and her family," de Vega said in an interview with reporters on Friday night, Nov. 15.
"And we're hopeful that we can announce something positive soon," he added.
De Vega's remarks came after the Indonesian government announced that it is eyeing to transfer Veloso to a Philippine prison, 14 years after she was arrested in Yogyakarta for possession of several packs of smuggled heroin.
According to Indonesia's Coordinating Ministry for Legal, Human Rights, Immigration and Correction, the "transfer of prisoner" is being eyed as an option in line with the Philippine government’s request.
That came as Philippine Ambassador to Jakarta Gina Alagon Jamoralin met with Coordinating Minister Yusril Ihza Mahendra amid Manila's constant efforts to seek clemency for Veloso.
The ministry said Yusril upheld Indonesia’s legal sovereignty and expressed commitment to enforce criminal sanctions imposed by its courts during the meeting.
But Indonesia’s recent consideration was also part of “constructive diplomacy” being pursued by both sides.
"This matter has been discussed internally within Kemenko Kumham Imipas (Coordinating Ministry for Legal, Human Rights, Immigration and Correction) and has also been brought to the attention of President Prabowo," Yusril said.
"We are formulating a policy to resolve the issue of foreign prisoners in our country, either through bilateral negotiations or by devising a policy related to what is referred to in English as the transfer of prisoner," he added.
If the request is granted, Veloso will continue to serve her remaining sentence in the Philippines and will be subject to the conditions determined by the Indonesian court's ruling.
Jakarta is expecting that Manila would recognize its court decision and enforce the sentence determined in Indonesia.
The policy, according to the ministry, would serve as part of a reciprocal cooperation between the two countries to respect and strengthen international law enforcement.
"Indonesia respects the request from the Philippine government to consider the transfer of Mary Jane Veloso in the interest of law enforcement in the Philippines," Yusril said.
"However, the Philippine government is obligated to acknowledge and respect the legal process regarding Mary Jane, including the verdict issued by the Indonesian court. Our nation's sovereignty in prosecuting crimes committed by foreign nationals must be fully respected," he added.
Yusril said that the request for clemency for Veloso will then be transferred to the Philippines.