(BALI, Indonesia) President Benigno S. Aquino III focuses on the exchanges during the Opening Session of the 7th Bali Democracy Forum at the Nusantara Hall II of the Bali International Convention Center on Friday (October 10). The gathering is an annual, intergovernmental forum on the development of democracy in the Asia-Pacific region. (MNS photo)
MANILA (Mabuhay) — President Benigno Aquino III may have a chance to discuss with Indonesian leader Jokowi Widodo the case of Mary Jane Veloso, the overseas Filipino worker facing execution for a drug-related case in Indonesia, Malacañang hinted Saturday.
Aquino and Widodo are expected to attend a Association of Southeast Asian Nations gathering in Malaysia starting Sunday.
“Pangkaraniwan po na sa ganitong mga pagpupulong, sa mga ASEAN Summit, ay may pagkakataon ang heads of state and heads of government na magkausap po sila sa sidelines, sa pagitan ng mga plenary sessions po nila at iba’t ibang pagpupulong,” Presidential Communications Operations Office head Herminio Coloma Jr. said on government-run dzRB radio.
“At siyempre po kung mayroong pagkakataon na makausap ni Pangulong Aquino si President Widodo, isa po ‘yan sa mga prayoridad na concerns ng ating Pangulo,” he added.
At the time, Coloma was fielding questions related to Veloso’s case. He was asked if Aquino may have a chance to talk to Widodo.
In the meantime, Coloma said the government will continue to keep tabs on Veloso’s case via the Department of Foreign Affairs.
“Ayon po sa kanilang spokesperson, si Assistant Secretary Charles Jose, ay nakatanggap na ng abiso order of execution. Pero ang batid po natin na patakaran doon ay nagbibigay ng 72-hour notice. Wala pa naman daw pong tiyak na oras o petsa na ibinibigay. Kaya tayo po ay nag-aantabay pa at sinisikap po nating gawin pa ang lahat ng magagawa. Hindi pa po tayo tumitigil sa pagsisikap na matulungan o maisalba si Mary Jane Veloso,” he said.
He also said they are trying to extend help to Veloso’s family.(MNS)