The Indonesian government is not asking the Philippines for any favor in exchange for the impending repatriation of convicted overseas Filipino worker (OFW) Mary Jane Veloso, Foreign Affairs Undersecretary Eduardo de Vega clarified on Wednesday.
“There are a lot of speculations as to what the return or what was the condition. The Indonesians have not requested any payback for this,” De Vega said in a Palace briefing.
“May I clarify, this is not in return for anything,” he added.
De Vega made the remarks after President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. expressed optimism about welcoming Veloso back to the Philippines.
Veloso was convicted for drug trafficking in Indonesia in 2010. She has been on a death row for 14 years.
“After over a decade of diplomacy and consultations with the Indonesian government, we managed to delay her execution long enough to reach an agreement to finally bring her back to the Philippines,” the President said early Wednesday on his official X account (@bongbongmarcos).
President Marcos extended his gratitude to Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto and the Indonesian government for their goodwill.
“Of course, from ASEAN, we know about the debt of gratitude and that similarly they may request something from us in the future. But right now, they are not asking anything in return for this arrangement,” De Vega said.
The DFA official emphasized Veloso’s case remains “a work in progress” for Indonesia.
“So, when she gets here, if she gets here, she will not immediately be released. It means, we will commit to detain her until such time that [there’s a] mutual agreement that she could be given clemency,” De Vega said.
“But at least, she would be here,” he added.
De Vega said Indonesia’s goodwill demonstrates the strong leadership of President Marcos, his close ties with the Indonesian government, and the Philippine government’s commitment to protecting its overseas workers.
Department of Justice (DOJ) Assistant Secretary Mico Clavano was also grateful for the Indonesian government’s goodwill. He said discussions are underway regarding Veloso’s detention once she arrives in the Philippines. | PND
