DOJ nearly done studying Mary Jane Veloso case
The Department of Justice (DOJ) said it is ready to sit down with the family of Mary Jane Veloso by next week as it neared the completion of its ongoing study of her case in connection with the presidential pardon she sought from President Marcos.
Acting Justice Secretary Fredderick Vida told reporters on Wednesday that he is planning to reach out to the family of Veloso to discuss “possible and realistic” options and expectations on the case.
He noted that there are “legal nuances” in the DOJ’s evaluation of the possible remedies for Veloso, who was convicted of drug trafficking in Indonesia.
She was repatriated in December 2024 after Indonesia commuted her death sentence to life imprisonment and has since been detained at the Correctional Institute for Women.
“Everything is possible … Of course, we can’t force the President [to take a certain action] if it is illegal, that’s why we are thoroughly studying the case,” said Vida, referring to Veloso’s likelihood of being granted executive clemency.
