PH: 2nd appeal should stop Mary Jane execution

Paterno R. Esmaquel II

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PH: 2nd appeal should stop Mary Jane execution
'We are not giving up hope,' the Philippine Department of Foreign Affairs says, pointing out that the Philippines is 'presenting new arguments'

MANILA, Philippines – The Philippines said its second appeal for the life of Mary Jane Veloso should stop Indonesia from executing the 30-year-old Filipina on Tuesday, April 28.

“We have an appeal pending so they should take that into account,” Philippine Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) spokesman Charles Jose said in a media briefing Monday, April 27.

Jose explained that the second appeal for judicial review should “technically” stop Veloso’s execution.

He said that if the Sleman district court in Indonesia considers the appeal, “then that should go through the process again.” “Technically that should stop the execution,” Jose said in Filipino.

“We are not giving up hope,” he said, pointing out that the Philippines is “presenting new arguments” in its second appeal. 

Human trafficking victim

In an act of defiance, Veloso has refused to sign the letter notifying her of her execution. Citing prosecutors, Jose however said her refusal will not stop Indonesia from executing her.

The Sleman district court in Indonesia has not given feedback on the second appeal that the Philippines filed on Friday, April 24.

In this second appeal, the Philippines argues that Veloso is a victim of human trafficking, and therefore does not deserve the death penalty.

Veloso’s alleged illegal recruiter, Maria Kristina Sergio, faces charges of illegal recruitment, human trafficking, and estafa.

Sergio denies the accusations against her. 

In her personal account, Veloso said Sergio duped her into unknowingly smuggling drugs into Indonesia. – Rappler.com

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Paterno R. Esmaquel II

Paterno R. Esmaquel II, news editor of Rappler, specializes in covering religion and foreign affairs. He finished MA Journalism in Ateneo and MSc Asian Studies (Religions in Plural Societies) at RSIS, Singapore. For story ideas or feedback, email pat.esmaquel@rappler.com