Binay pleads with Indonesian VP Jusuf Kalla, meets Veloso kin

(CNN Philippines) — Vice President Jejomar Binay met with the kin of convicted drug mule Mary Jane Veloso in Jakarta on Thursday (April 23) after talking with his Indonesian counterpart — Vice President Jusuf Kalla — on Wednesday (April 22).

The two appointments were in line with the Philippine government's agenda to make a final appeal on behalf of Veloso, who was arrested, tried, and sentenced to execution for drug trafficking in 2010.

Binay previously confirmed his intention of personally asking Indonesian President Joko Widodo to spare Veloso's life before leaving for Indonesia.

Related: Binay vows to appeal against Veloso’s execution to Widodo

Binay reassured Caesar Veloso, Mary Jane's father, and the rest of their family that they were doing everything in their power to save the latter.

He also noted that letters of appeal from President Benigno Aquino III and Foreign Affairs Secretary Albert del Rosario were already handed over to the Indonesian government.

To strengthen the Philippines' appeal, Binay asked Vice President Kalla for his and his people's compassion.

While Binay told Kalla that the Philippines regards the Indonesian legal system with utmost respect, he also stressed Veloso's innocence.

Mary Jane was a first-time traveler to Indonesia and is certainly not part of any drug syndicate, Binay said.

He also reminded Kalla that President Widodo himself had recently appealed to the king of Saudi Arabia to reconsider the execution of an Indonesian domestic worker.

“I am certain His Excellency understands why we in government are doing all we can to save the life of our kababayan. It is the responsibility of governments to come to the aid of their countrymen, especially those in difficult circumstances,” Binay said.

According to a CNN report, Saudi Arabia executed two Indonesian maids last week.

Related: Saudi Arabia executes second Indonesian maid in one week

Binay, who is also the presidential adviser on overseas Filipino workers’ concerns, gave Kalla a copy of President Aquino's written appeal to President Widodo, along with a humanitarian appeal from the Veloso family.

Veloso is currently detained at the Wirogunan Penitentiary in Yogyakarta. There is no news yet as to when her execution will take place.

Related: No weekend execution for OFW in Indonesia

Binay, on the other hand, is in Indonesia to attend the Asian-African Conference 2015. According to his office, he gave a speech on Thursday.