The Department of Justice (DOJ) has emphasized that the enforcement of Mary Jane Veloso’s sentence is now under Philippine jurisdiction following her transfer from Indonesia in December 2024.
DOJ Undersecretary Nicholas Ty said the agreement between the Philippines and Indonesia provides that the continued enforcement of Veloso’s sentence in the Philippines would be governed by Philippine laws and procedures.
This includes the authority of the Philippine government to grant remission, amnesty, or other forms of executive clemency, including a pardon.
“Maliwanag doon sa kasunduan na nung nalipat na si Mary Jane dito sa bansa natin, pasya na ng Pilipinas kung ano yung mangyayari kay Mary Jane, sa kaniyang pagsilbi ng sentensya at kung mabibigyan man siya ng kung anong executive clemency,” Ty said.
The agreement allowed Veloso to be transferred to the Philippines while recognizing the Indonesian court’s conviction and sentence. However, decisions concerning the continued enforcement of her sentence and possible clemency were placed under Philippine laws and procedures.
Veloso was arrested in Indonesia in 2010 after authorities found 2.6 kilograms of heroin in her luggage. She was convicted of drug trafficking and sentenced to death.
Her execution was postponed in 2015 following a last-minute reprieve from the Indonesian government.
After nearly 15 years in Indonesian custody, Veloso was transferred to Philippine authorities on December 17, 2024, and arrived in Manila the following day. She was subsequently placed under the custody of the Bureau of Corrections.
The issue of clemency was settled in September 2026, when President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. granted Veloso an absolute pardon.
Marcos said he signed the pardon on September 24, with the announcement made the following day.
(Reports from RH Tina Nolasco)
