STOCK PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines — Senate President Francis Escudero asked the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) to make an accounting of Filipinos incarcerated abroad and explore a treaty on “prisoner swap” for the possible serving of their sentences in the Philippines.

Escudero aired his request in a message to reporters on Wednesday, following the arrival from Indonesia of  Mary Jane Veloso, the Filipina inmate on death row in Indonesia who spent almost 15 years in prison for drug trafficking.

Alexander said Britain’s 2016 vote to leave the EU caused “significant disruption” to its trade policy and the country needed to recalibrate its global trade outlook.

Comments from top Federal Reserve officials suggesting they would like to see a slower pace of rate cuts tempered hopes for another bumper cut at the bank’s next meeting, while Middle East worries pushed gold to a new record.

Article continues after this advertisement

“I hope that Mary Jane’s repatriation is only the first of many Filipinos similarly situated in various parts of the world,” said Escudero.

real money slotsFEATURED STORIES GLOBALNATION Thieves on a plane: Commercial airlines become new theft hotspot GLOBALNATION Mary Jane Veloso returns home after 14 years GLOBALNATION Nasa again delays return of astronauts stranded on space station

Escudero noted that this proves President Ferdinand “Bongbong” R. Marcos Jr. truly cares for Filipinos overseas.

This then prompted him to emphasize that Veloso’s case should be a wake-up call for the government to focus on the plight of similarly situated Filipinos.

Article continues after this advertisement

“We should, therefore, ask the DFA—as I am now asking them—to inventory and make an accounting of Filipinos who are incarcerated in a foreign country,” said Escudero.

Article continues after this advertisement

He pointed out that the DFA’s database should include the nature of the Filipinos’ cases, what has or can be done to help them regain their liberty; and how the government can assist to make their detention, in the meantime, more bearable, among others.

Article continues after this advertisement

“[We also need to] explore and push for a treaty on prisoner swap for the service of sentences here—closer to their loved ones—of convicted Filipinos abroad,” Escudero emphasized.

The DFA, meanwhile, thanked the government of Indonesia for its sincere and decisive action, which allowed Veloso to be home before Christmas.

Article continues after this advertisement

Foreign Affairs Secretary Enrique Manalo, in a statement also issued Wednesday, said this is a significant achievement for the bilateral relations between the Philippines and Indonesia.

Your subscription could not be saved. Please try again. Your subscription has been successful.

Subscribe to our daily newsletter

SIGN ME UP

By providing an email address. I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy.midori

READ NEXT Rescuers hunt for survivors in Vanuatu capital, 14 confirmed dead Canada’s Trudeau battles to hold on after deputy PM resigns EDITORS' PICK Mary Jane Veloso returns home after 14 years Legarda files bill seeking equity, inclusivity in Tertiary Education Subsidy Mary Jane Veloso appeals to Marcos for clemency Signing of 2025 GAA deferred for President's review - Bersamin Marian Rivera reacts to her viral ‘Unfaithful’ cover: ‘Natatawa ako sa sarili ko’ 1-Pacman’s Save a Heart program brings back joy to the purest of hearts MOST READ LIVE UPDATES: Tropical Depression Querubin Atong Ang confirms relationship with Sunshine Cruz in report Quad comm seeks crimes against humanity raps vs Duterte, Bato, Bong Go CSA tells Yasmien Kurdi to 'cooperate' amid 'bullying' involving daughter Follow @FMangosingINQ on Twitter --> View comments