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.
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