JAKARTA, RAKYAT NEWS – The Coordinating Minister for Law, Human Rights, Immigration, and Corrections (Kumham Imipas) of Indonesia, Yusril Ihza Mahendra, recently shared that the President of the Philippines has yet to decide on the legal status of Mary Jane Veloso, who was transferred from Indonesia.

Mary Jane Veloso, a convicted drug smuggler, is awaiting a decision regarding her sentence after being moved back to the Philippines in January 2025. As of now, the Philippine government has not issued a ruling on her case.

Yusril explained that the current process in the Philippines involves a mandatory 60-day period for any returned prisoner to be placed in detention before a decision can be made by the President. He clarified that the President would only be able to make a final decision on Veloso’s status after this waiting period ends. The legal process in the Philippines requires this time for review and deliberation.

Mary Jane Veloso was originally sentenced to death in Indonesia in 2010 for attempting to smuggle 2.6 kilograms of heroin into the country. However, the Philippines had previously stopped recognizing the death penalty, raising speculation that her sentence could be changed to life imprisonment after her transfer back to the Philippines.

The Indonesian government continues to receive regular updates from the Philippine authorities on Veloso’s condition. At present, she is being held at the Mandaluyong Prison in Manila. This ongoing communication ensures that the Indonesian government is kept informed of her situation as the legal process unfolds in the Philippines.

Veloso’s return to the Philippines is the result of a significant diplomatic agreement between Indonesia and the Philippines, finalized on December 6, 2024. The practical arrangement was signed by Yusril Ihza Mahendra, the Indonesian Minister for Law, and Filipino Vice Minister of Legal Affairs Raul Vasquez. This agreement highlights the strong diplomatic ties between the two countries and their commitment to international cooperation.

The arrangement includes four key provisions, the first of which emphasizes mutual respect for each country’s legal sovereignty. This ensures that the Indonesian court’s original ruling in Veloso’s case remains respected, even though the case is now under the jurisdiction of the Philippine government.

The second provision of the agreement pertains to the continuation of Veloso’s punishment. After her transfer, she will face her sentence in accordance with Philippine laws, meaning that the Filipino government has the authority to grant clemency, parole, or remittance under its national legal framework.

A third important provision of the agreement addresses Veloso’s permanent exclusion from returning to Indonesia. After her transfer, she will be placed on a no-entry list, preventing her from reentering the country under any circumstances, in line with Indonesian law.

Finally, the agreement ensures that the Philippine government will provide the Indonesian government with full access to information regarding the execution of Veloso’s punishment. This allows Indonesia to remain informed about the ongoing process, ensuring transparency and communication between the two nations.

This diplomatic arrangement reflects both nations’ commitment to upholding their respective legal systems while fostering international cooperation. It also sets a precedent for future cases of international legal transfer and ensures that both parties respect each other’s sovereignty and judicial practices. (Uki Ruknuddin)