Indonesian President Widodo pays courtesy call on PNoy

Indonesian President Joko Widodo paid a courtesy call on President Benigno Aquino III on Monday afternoon, as the Philippines seeks a review of the case of a Filipina convicted of drug smuggling in Indonesia.

Widodo, dressed in a traditional green batik shirt, was welcomed by Aquino and his Cabinet at the Malacañang Palace Grounds a few minutes after 4 p.m.

The Indonesian president was given full military honors, including a 21-gun salute, upon his arrival. Like other visiting heads of state, Widodo also conducted a regular inspection of troops.

Widodo is scheduled to hold an expanded bilateral meeting with Aquino later in the afternoon, where they are expected to discuss defense, education and drug trafficking.

The two leaders are also expected to sign memoranda of understanding on combating narcotics, defense studies and technical and vocational education later in the day.

It remains unclear, however, if Aquino discuss with Widodo the Philippine government's request to commute the sentence of a Filipina convicted of drug smuggling from death by firing squad to life imprisonment.

Indonesia earlier deferred the execution after the Philippines asked for a review of her case.

The Filipina was arrested at Yogyakarta Airport in April 2010 for allegedly trafficking 2.6 kilograms of heroin. She entered Indonesia from Malaysia as a tourist.

Her death sentence by firing squard was earlier upheld by Indonesia’s Supreme Court. — BM, GMA News