The lawyer of Mary Jane Veloso, a Filipina domestic worker on death row in Indonesia, is calling on the Philippine government to allow her family to welcome her at the airport.
Edre Olalia, Veloso's legal counsel, made a statement on Tuesday, Dec. 17, amid reports that the Department of Justice (DOJ) advised her family to just go to the Correctional Institution for Women (CIW) to see Veloso once she arrives in the country.
"We will continue to appeal to their good hearts—consistent with Filipino culture, tradition and sensitivity and in the spirit of the season—to allow the family to meet her at the airport even privately for a short immediate reunion and quick hug at least," Olalia said.
He said the Indonesian government has treated Veloso very well and compassionately, and the Philippines "can do no less."
Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) Undersecretary for Migrant Workers Affairs Eduardo Jose de Vega said the DOJ is already in charge of coordinating with Veloso's family.
"Baka sa airport. Baka sa Bureau of Corrections [nila mami-meet] (Maybe at the airport or maybe at the Bureau of Corrections that they will be able to meet her)," De Vega said in an interview with GMA News.
After 14 years in Indonesian prison, including 10 years on death row, for drug charges, Veloso is coming home to the Philippines on Dec. 18, DFA Undersecretary for Bilateral Relations and ASEAN Affairs Ma. Theresa Lazaro said.
This came after the Philippines and Indonesia signed a transfer agreement over Veloso's case following diplomatic efforts made by both sides.
According to Lazaro, Veloso will leave Jakarta, where she was already transferred from Yogyakarta prison, around 12:50 a.m. and will arrive in Manila around 6 a.m.