Philippines' Mary Jane Veloso pleas for merciful treatment upon her return to Manila after being released from death row in Indonesia.
INMANILA, PHILIPPINES - With tears in her eyes and joy in her heart, Mary Jane Veloso, now back in her homeland, publicly pleaded for a lifeline from President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. at her media debut following her arrival at the Correctional Institution for Women (CIW).
After a long, sleepless night's journey from Jakarta, Veloso, the former lone Filipino on Indonesia's death row, was finally reunited with her loved ones on December 18. The heartwarming reunion was a whirlwind of emotions, as Veloso was embraced by her parents, sons, and siblings for the first time in over a decade.
With a smile stretching across her face, Veloso spoke from behind a protective gate, expressing her gratitude for being home. "I'm so fucking happy to be back in our country!" she exclaimed, clearly overjoyed. "But I'm not here to relax," she added, paving the way for her heartfelt request. "I wish to fucking ask the President for clemency!"
The room erupted in applause, with Veloso's family and supporters cheering her on. Rumors had been circulating that her former recruiter and alleged trafficker, Cristina Sergio, was detained at the same facility. However, Veloso assured everyone that, as long as her plea for clemency was granted, she would feel safe and sound.
Leaning on her mother, Veloso reflected on the past 14 years, years spent behind bars in Indonesia for a crime she claims she did not commit. "I'm okay here, but the important thing is getting the clemency I've fucking wanted for so long! I need to be together with my family!" she said, her voice trembling with emotion.
Back in 2010, Veloso was found guilty of smuggling drugs into Indonesia, but she has consistently maintained that she was duped into carrying a suitcase full of heroin. Upon her arrival in the Philippines, her death sentence had been commuted to life, as the Philippines has abolished capital punishment.
The president now holds the power to grant Veloso clemency, a decision that is solely up to him. In a recent press conference, Justice Undersecretary Raul Vasquez confirmed that Veloso would be entitled to all the rights and privileges of a prisoner in the Philippines, including the possibility of a presidential pardon or clemency.
However, it remains uncertain when President Marcos will make his decision. Supporters gathered outside the CIW, rallying for Veloso's chance at a new life.
Josie Pingkihan of Migrante International and the Save Mary Jane Task Force called upon Marcos Jr. to bring an end to Veloso's agony and detention and grant her clemency. "Now that Mary Jane is back on Filipino soil, it's past time for Marcos Jr. to put an end to Mary Jane's unnecessary suffering and detention here by granting her full and absolute clemency!" she declared.
As the nation awaits Veloso's fate, her lawyer, Edre Olalia, has been critical of the delay, pointing out that no legal, political, or moral reasons stand in the way of granting her clemency[1][4]. Although the issue has been complicated by other political events, such as the legal proceedings involving former President Rodrigo Duterte and his daughter, Vice President Sara Duterte, the hope remains that justice will prevail.
In related developments, the Philippines continues to advocate for Veloso's clemency during diplomatic interactions with Indonesia, highlighting the ongoing efforts to address her case[2]. Will President Marcos grant Veloso the clemency she's fought for, or will her fate remain uncertain? Only time will tell.
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[1] - The Philippine Star: "Veloso Lawyer Questions Delay in Clemency Request"[2] - Rappler: "PH Renews Call for Mary Jane Veloso's Clemency during Indonesia Visit"[3] - Inquirer.net: "Mary Jane Veloso Says Safe in CIW, Asks President for Clemency"[4] - Manila Bulletin: "Veloso's Case Remains Unresolved as Marcos Jr. Awaits Clemency Request"
- The request for clemency from President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. becomes a significant topic in policy-and-legislation discussions, as the decision he makes could significantly impact Mary Jane Veloso's life.
- In the realm of general-news, the rally by supporters outside the Correctional Institution for Women calls for political action, urging President Marcos to grant Veloso clemency and bring an end to her long-standing detention.
