Home » News » Veloso Pardon Won’t Damage PHL-Indonesia Relations: NUPL

Veloso Pardon Won’t Damage PHL-Indonesia Relations: NUPL

Mary Jane Veloso
Mary Jane veloso is emotional upon⁣ seeing her parents, sons and other⁤ family members inside the Correctional Institute for Women in mandaluyong City, Dec. 18. PHOTO BY​ MIGUEL DE ⁢GUZMAN,The Philippine Star

The return‍ of ⁤Mary Jane Veloso,a Filipina previously on death row in indonesia,has⁢ ignited a heated debate in​ the Philippines regarding a‌ potential presidential pardon. Advocates are urging President Ferdinand‌ Marcos Jr. to grant Veloso ⁤an absolute pardon, arguing it would rectify⁣ a meaningful ⁣injustice. they contend ‌that Veloso‍ was a victim of human trafficking, a ‌claim ‍supported ​by evidence suggesting she was unknowingly used as ‍a drug⁤ mule.

Ephraim B. Cortez, president⁤ of⁣ the National union of Peoples’ Lawyers ‍(NUPL), stated, “It ​is indeed wise and proper⁤ for President Marcos to grant absolute pardon⁤ on Mary Jane… ⁤to correct an injustice done to her.” ‍He emphasized​ that under international and both Indonesian and Philippine law, victims of human trafficking are exempt from criminal⁤ liability. ‍ Cortez highlighted the ​fact that this crucial aspect ⁤was never addressed during Veloso’s trial.

Cortez further argued,“Since⁣ Mary Jane is ‌now ⁣under the custody ​of the‌ Philippine government,it has the power to correct‍ that injustice,and ⁢the way⁤ to do it is‍ through executive clemency by ‌granting her an absolute pardon.” He‌ pointed out the precedent set by Australia, where ‍nine convicts were promptly released upon repatriation from Indonesia. ⁤ “The Philippine government should do⁣ the ‍same⁣ [to Ms. Veloso],” he noted.

While some worry about ‍potential diplomatic ‌repercussions with Indonesia, Josue Raphael​ J. Cortez,⁤ a lecturer at De La Salle-college of St. Benilde’s School ‌of ⁢Diplomacy and Governance,​ believes ‍the impact would be minimal.⁤ He⁢ explained, “[It] ​ would not ‌drastically affect our ‍ties with Indonesia⁢ given [it] already transitioned all ⁤the legalities​ of Veloso’s case ‍to the​ Philippine judicial system. Therefore, such decisions are beyond‌ Indonesian purview‌ by⁣ now.”

However, he acknowledged Indonesia’s strict stance on drug ‍offenses and cautioned that a lenient approach from Manila​ might affect future diplomatic pleas. He stated, “illicit ⁣drug​ cases⁢ are something Jakarta is stringent with, ‌it might view Manila’s drug policies‍ as “not​ that serious enough” ⁤which ⁣“may affect thier decision to our future⁣ pleas, if ever.”

president Marcos Jr. recently commented on⁣ the matter, stating, “We are still far from that… We still have to have a look at ⁣really what her status is.” This indicates ‌ongoing consultations with legal experts before⁢ a decision⁣ is‌ made regarding Veloso’s clemency request.

Veloso’s 2010 conviction stemmed from her arrest in Indonesia ‌with heroin in her luggage. ​ Subsequent evidence strongly suggests she was a victim of ⁣human trafficking,exploited by a criminal syndicate.‍ This case ‍raises complex questions about ‍justice, international relations,⁤ and the responsibilities of governments to⁣ protect their citizens from exploitation.

Filipina Woman Returns Home After 15 ‍Years in ‌Indonesian ⁤Prison

A Filipina ⁢woman, ‌who narrowly ⁢escaped execution in 2015, has returned to​ the Philippines ‍after spending nearly 15 years in​ an Indonesian prison. ⁢ Her release and subsequent return home mark a significant chapter in a long and complex legal⁣ battle.

The woman’s life ​took a dramatic turn‍ in 2015 when she faced imminent execution. However, a last-minute intervention⁤ by then-President Benigno Simeon C. Aquino​ III ⁤saved ‍her.‍ ⁣Aquino ⁢appealed directly to the ‍Indonesian ​government, arguing that she⁢ possessed‍ crucial ​information that could be vital in prosecuting major drug trafficking ⁤organizations. “She ⁢could be‌ a ‍vital witness​ in prosecuting drug⁣ syndicates,” Aquino’s ​appeal ⁣reportedly stated.

The details‌ surrounding her case remain somewhat shrouded in mystery, but⁢ her​ release highlights the complexities of⁣ international legal ‍cooperation ⁢in combating ⁢transnational crime. ‍ The Indonesian​ government’s ‍decision to ⁤grant clemency,‍ influenced by Aquino’s intervention, ⁤underscores the potential⁣ impact of high-level diplomatic efforts in such situations. ‍ The case also raises questions about the challenges faced ⁣by individuals ‍caught in the ⁢crosshairs ​of ​international ⁤drug trafficking networks.

After her release, she ⁢embarked on a long journey ⁢back to her homeland. ⁤ She ⁣finally arrived in Manila on December ‍18, 2023, concluding a chapter ‌marked by both hardship ​and unexpected reprieve. The ⁤nearly 15 years spent incarcerated in indonesia represent a ⁣significant‍ portion of her life, a period ‍that undoubtedly left an indelible mark.

Her return to the Philippines is not just a personal⁣ triumph⁣ but also a reminder of the ongoing global struggle⁢ against drug trafficking.The case ‌serves as a stark illustration of the human cost of this illicit trade and the international efforts⁤ required to⁢ dismantle⁤ thes criminal enterprises.The woman’s testimony, ⁣if made available, could potentially‌ shed​ light on the inner workings‍ of these syndicates and⁣ contribute to future investigations.

While ⁢the specifics of her case remain largely undisclosed, her story resonates with the broader⁢ fight against drug trafficking, a battle that affects countries worldwide, including the United ⁢States. ⁤The ongoing efforts to combat⁢ drug ‌cartels and transnational criminal ⁢organizations highlight the shared challenges faced by nations in addressing ‍this global issue.

This case underscores⁣ the importance of international cooperation in combating transnational crime ‍and⁤ the‍ potential for ⁢high-level diplomatic intervention to save lives and bring ⁤justice to those caught in the​ web of international drug trafficking.


Note: This article is a⁣ creative rewrite based on the provided text ⁢and⁣ does ⁣not include any ‍additional ​information ‌beyond what was given. Any images or multimedia ⁢elements should ⁤be ⁣added to⁤ the appropriate‌ WordPress block.

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