Should Mary Jane Veloso Receive a Presidential Pardon?

Manila, Philippines – After nearly 15 years on death row in Indonesia, Mary Jane veloso returned to the Philippines in December 2022, sparking renewed calls for President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.to grant her an absolute pardon. Advocates argue that Veloso, convicted of drug trafficking, was a victim of human trafficking and deserves clemency.

“It is wise and proper for President Marcos to grant absolute pardon to Mary Jane… to correct an injustice done to her,” said Ephraim B.Cortez, President of the National Union of Peoples’ Lawyers (NUPL). Cortez emphasized that Veloso was exploited by a syndicate that used her as an unwitting drug courier, a crucial detail not raised during her trial in Indonesia.

“Under international conventions on human trafficking, and under both Indonesian and Philippine laws, trafficked victims are exempted from criminal liability,” Cortez explained. “This means that they should not be prosecuted for the crimes they committed as trafficked persons.”

With Veloso now under Philippine custody, Cortez believes the government has a duty to rectify the injustice she suffered. “The way to do it is through executive clemency by granting her an absolute pardon,” he said.

International Relations and Domestic Concerns

Josue Raphael J. Cortez, a lecturer at De La Salle-College of St.Benilde’s School of Diplomacy and Governance, believes granting clemency would not considerably impact Manila’s relationship with Jakarta.

“It would not drastically affect our ties with Indonesia given they already transitioned all the legalities of Veloso’s case to the Philippine judicial system,” he said. “Thus, such decisions are beyond Indonesian purview by now.”

However, Cortez cautioned that Indonesia’s strict stance on drug offenses might lead them to perceive Manila’s drug policies as lenient. This, he suggested, could potentially affect future pleas in similar cases.

NUPL’s Cortez pointed to the case of nine Australian convicts who were turned over by Indonesia to Australia and promptly released upon arrival. “The Philippine government should do the same [to Ms. Veloso],” he urged.

President Marcos has stated that he is still consulting with legal experts on Veloso’s clemency request.

A Long Road to Freedom

Veloso’s case garnered international attention in 2015 when she was granted a last-minute reprieve from execution. Former president Benigno Simeon C. Aquino III appealed to the Indonesian government, arguing that Veloso could be a valuable witness in prosecuting the drug syndicate responsible for her situation.

After nearly 15 years of imprisonment, Veloso returned to the Philippines on December 18th, 2022, where she was reunited with her family. Her case continues to spark debate about the complexities of international drug trafficking, the rights of victims, and the power of presidential pardon.

Filipina Drug Convict’s Fate Hangs in Balance as Pardon Plea Gains Momentum

manila, Philippines – After nearly 15 years on death row in indonesia for drug trafficking, Mary jane Veloso returned to the Philippines in July, sparking a renewed debate about her case and the possibility of a presidential pardon.

Veloso’s story has captivated the nation since her arrest in 2010.She maintained her innocence, claiming she was tricked into carrying drugs by a human trafficking syndicate. Now, advocates are pushing for President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to grant her a pardon, arguing that she was a victim of circumstance and should not have been held criminally liable.

“Imagine being tricked into carrying drugs unknowingly!” said Ephraim Cortez,a lawyer with the National Union of peoples’ Lawyers,who has been advocating for Veloso’s release. “There are international conventions and laws in both Indonesia and the Philippines that protect trafficked victims from criminal liability. They should never have been prosecuted for crimes committed under duress.”

While Veloso’s return to the Philippines marks a meaningful victory, the question of a pardon remains a complex one.Some experts, like Josue Cortez from De La Salle-College of St. Benilde, believe a pardon wouldn’t significantly impact the philippines’ relationship with Indonesia, which has already transferred veloso’s case to Manila.

However, others worry that granting a pardon could send the wrong message about the Philippines’ stance on drug offenses, especially given Indonesia’s strict drug laws.

“Indonesia is very strict about drug offenses,” Josue Cortez acknowledged. “But Ephraim Cortez argues that the Philippine government should follow the example set when Indonesia transferred nine Australian convicts who were instantly released in Australia.”

President Marcos is currently consulting with legal experts to weigh the various factors involved in Veloso’s case. The decision he makes will have far-reaching implications, not only for Veloso but also for the Philippines’ relationship with indonesia and its approach to drug trafficking cases.As the nation awaits the President’s decision, Veloso’s story serves as a stark reminder of the complexities of international drug trafficking and the human cost of these crimes.

Tiny Home, Big Dreams: millennials Ditch Traditional Housing for Minimalist Living

Across the country, a new generation is redefining the American Dream, trading sprawling suburban homes for compact, eco-friendly dwellings.

Millennials, facing soaring housing costs and a desire for simpler living, are increasingly turning to tiny homes. These pint-sized abodes, typically under 400 square feet, offer a unique solution to the challenges of modern life.

“It’s about freedom and flexibility,” says sarah Jones, a 28-year-old graphic designer who recently moved into a custom-built tiny home in Portland, Oregon. “I’m not tied down by a mortgage, and I can easily pick up and move if I want to.”

Tiny homes aren’t just about downsizing; they’re also about sustainability. Many are built with eco-friendly materials and feature energy-efficient appliances. This resonates with millennials who are increasingly concerned about thier environmental footprint.

“I wanted to live a more enduring lifestyle,” says David Lee, a 32-year-old software engineer who built his own tiny home in Austin, Texas. “My home is solar-powered, and I compost all my food scraps.”

The tiny home movement isn’t without its challenges. Zoning regulations and finding suitable land can be obstacles. But for many millennials, the benefits outweigh the drawbacks.

“It’s a lifestyle choice,” says Sarah. “It’s about living intentionally and focusing on what truly matters.”

as the cost of living continues to rise,and the desire for a simpler,more sustainable life grows,the tiny home movement is highly likely to gain even more momentum.

Filipina Drug Convict’s Fate Hangs in Balance as Pardon Plea Gains Momentum

Return to the Philippines Sparks Renewed hope

Manila, Philippines – Mary Jane Veloso’s return to the Philippines in July, after nearly 15 years on death row in Indonesia, has reignited the debate surrounding her case and the possibility of a pardon.

Veloso’s arrest in 2010 for drug trafficking made headlines worldwide. She has consistently maintained her innocence, claiming she was manipulated by a human trafficking syndicate who used her as an unwitting drug courier. Now, her supporters are urging President ferdinand Marcos Jr. to grant her a pardon, arguing that she was a victim of circumstance and should not bear the brunt of criminal liability.

Calls for Clemency echo Through the philippines

Ephraim Cortez, a prominent lawyer from the National Union of Peoples’ Lawyers (NUPL), passionately advocates for Veloso’s pardon. “Imagine being tricked into carrying drugs unknowingly!” he exclaims, emphasizing Veloso’s status as a victim of human trafficking.

Cortez stresses the legal precedent set by international conventions on human trafficking and both Indonesian and Philippine laws.These legal frameworks, he argues, exempt trafficked victims from criminal prosecution for crimes they commit under duress.”this means that they should not be prosecuted for the crimes they committed as trafficked persons,” Cortez clarifies.

With Veloso now back in Philippine custody, Cortez believes the government has a moral and legal obligation to rectify the injustice she faced. He asserts that executive clemency,in the form of an absolute pardon,is the only way to truly achieve this.

Navigating International Relations and Domestic Concerns

Josue Raphael J. Cortez, a lecturer at De La Salle-College of St.Benilde’s School of Diplomacy and Governance, offers a nuanced perspective. He believes granting clemency to Veloso would not significantly damage Manila’s relationship with Jakarta. “It would not drastically affect our ties with Indonesia given they already transitioned all the legalities of Veloso’s case to the philippine judicial system,” he explains. “Thus, such decisions are beyond Indonesian purview by now.”

Though, Professor cortez cautions that Indonesia’s stringent stance on drug offenses might lead them to perceive Manila as lenient on drug-related crime. This, he suggests, could potentially affect future negotiations in similar cases.

NUPL’s Cortez highlights the precedent set by Australia, where nine convicts were extradited from Indonesia and promptly released upon arrival. He urges the Philippine government to adopt a similar approach with veloso.

A Long Road to Freedom: A nation Holds its Breath

President marcos has stated he is consulting with legal experts on Veloso’s pardon request. As the nation awaits his decision, Veloso’s case serves as a stark reminder of the complexities surrounding international drug trafficking, victim rights, and the power of presidential pardon.