Total of 65 OFWs facing death row cases abroad – DFA

There are 65 Overseas Filipino Workers who are currently on death row abroad, according to the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA).

During the budget deliberation, Gabriela Rep. asked. Arlene Brosas on how many OFWs are on death row in other countries.

Composed of 48 males and 17 females, all of them are represented by DFA-hired lawyers, said Nueva Ecija 3rd District Rep. Joseph Gilbert Violago, the sponsor for the DFA’s proposed budget.

Death row includes Mary Jane Veloso who was sentenced in Indonesia after being caught with drugs.

Brosas also asked for an update on the conversation with Foreign Affairs Sec. Enrique Manalo and Indonesian Foreign Minister Retno Marsudi regarding the granting of executive clemency to Veloso.

“Indonesia does not have a final answer, but the people who are talking to the Department of Foreign Affairs will consult their Ministry of Justice regarding the request,” Violago answered.

Next, Brosas asked when the answer to the request would be known.

“I think Mr. Speaker we are not in the position to answer that because it depends on the Ministry of Justice of Indonesia when they will take action on our request,” added Violago.

Brosas also asked why President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. personally asked for executive clemency for Veloso when he went to Indonesia.

“Maybe the only possible answer from the DFA as of now, the President ordered Sec. (Enrique) Manalo to be the one, he is the one to talk,” Violago said.

“We are hoping that the DFA, as well as the President, show stronger action to request for clemency for these 12 people in Malaysia, many of whom are victims of drug syndicates,” Brosas said.