[Deathpenalty] death penalty news----worldwide

[Rick Halperin]

Sept. 14



PHILIPPINES:

VP, Senators appeal to save Mary Jane Veloso


VICE President Leni Robredo on Wednesday appealed to President Rodrigo Duterte 
to exhaust all available remedies and steps to save Filipina drug convict Mary 
Jane Veloso from Indonesian death row.

"Mary Jane's case is emblematic of the hardships faced by millions of our OFWs 
(Overseas Filipino Workers). We must keep her welfare in mind, along with the 
welfare of all OFWs, as they remain under our government's protection and 
support despite working overseas." Robredo said.

Robredo also recounted how the past administration and the Filipino people were 
able to successfully spare Veloso from her scheduled execution.

"A year ago, the Filipino nation came together in prayer and unity to appeal to 
the Indonesian government to spare Mary Jane's life. Our prayers were answered 
when she was given a reprieve, and as 1 nation, we rejoiced." Robredo said.

Meanwhile, some Senators also expressed support for Veloso's plight.

"It should be remembered that she went there with the sole intent of becoming 
an OFW, and her misfortune is the reason why every year, we set aside funds to 
help victims like her," Senate Minority Leader Ralph Recto said

Meanwhile, according to Senator Francis Escudero, Duterte was put in a 
difficult position during his meeting with Indonesia President Joko Widodo.

"I totally disagree that Mary Jane should be put on death row. In fact, we 
should do everything we can to stop it, delay it. Remember the Flor 
Contemplacion case? We unrelentingly appealed for her case. But we are in a 
unique position now because the administration is batting for death penalty for 
drugs," Escudero added, referring to Duterte's tough war versus illegal drugs.

(source: Sun Star)