Mary Jane Veloso is DEAD if President Noynoy Aquino Gave up on Her!

 

The Last 48 Hours: Saving Mary Jane Veloso

In the final hours leading up to the scheduled execution of Mary Jane Veloso, the Philippine government, led by President Aquino, embarked on an intense and emotional journey to save her life. Let's recount the series of events and diplomatic efforts that unfolded, highlighting the dedication and perseverance of those involved.

Diplomatic Efforts and the ASEAN Meeting

President Aquino had always emphasized the value of every Filipino life. His administration faced numerous challenges, including dealing with the imminent execution of Mary Jane Veloso in Indonesia. During an ASEAN meeting in Langkawi, Malaysia, the Philippine delegation, led by President Aquino, sought a bilateral meeting with Indonesian President Joko Widodo to discuss Mary Jane's case.

The bilateral request was part of a broader strategy to leverage diplomatic channels and personal appeals. The Philippine side had exhausted all diplomatic options, including official letters and personal appeals from President Aquino to President Widodo. Despite these efforts, the Indonesian side initially refused to reconsider Mary Jane's execution, citing their strict drug laws and previous executions of foreign nationals.

As the execution date approached, the Philippine delegation proposed a final, desperate measure known as the "Hail Mary Pass." This legal maneuver involved proving that Mary Jane was a key witness in a human trafficking case in the Philippines, which could legally justify a stay of execution. This approach required rapid coordination between multiple government agencies, including the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) and the Department of Justice (DOJ).

Coordinating a Last-Minute Legal Strategy

According to former Secretary Rene Almendras, Secretary of Foreign Affairs Albert del Rosario played a crucial role in this effort despite severe back pain and medical advice against travel. He worked tirelessly, coordinating with DOJ Secretary Leila de Lima and other officials to ensure that the necessary legal documents were prepared and authenticated.

The process involved filing a case against Mary Jane's recruiter in the Philippines, establishing her as a vital witness. This legal basis provided the grounds to request a stay of execution from the Indonesian authorities. The challenge was immense, as the documents had to be completed, signed, and transmitted to Indonesia in less than 24 hours.

The Final Hours

In the early hours of the morning, President Aquino and his team, including Secretary del Rosario and Secretary de Lima, worked relentlessly to finalize the documentation. Despite the time constraints and the complexity of the situation, the necessary papers were completed and endorsed to the Indonesian government.

President Aquino personally communicated with Indonesian officials to ensure they understood the gravity of the situation and the legal basis for the request. The documents were faxed and later followed by hard copies, emphasizing the urgency of the matter.

A Narrow Escape

Mary Jane Veloso was already dressed for her execution and had received her last meal. Her family and the Philippine ambassador were present, unaware of the last-minute efforts to save her life. As the legal documents reached the Indonesian authorities, there was a tense wait for confirmation.

In a remarkable turn of events, the Indonesian prosecutor accepted the documents, and Mary Jane's execution was stayed. This unprecedented decision was a testament to the perseverance and dedication of the Philippine government and the collaborative efforts of multiple agencies and individuals.

Reflection and Gratitude

The successful stay of Mary Jane Veloso's execution was a monumental achievement. The efforts of President Aquino, Secretary del Rosario, Secretary de Lima, and their teams demonstrated the power of diplomacy, legal strategy, and unwavering commitment to saving a life.

President Aquino's administration respected Indonesian law and diplomatic protocols, ensuring that the request was framed within an acceptable legal context. This respect for international law and the sensitivity of diplomatic relations were crucial in achieving the desired outcome.

The story of Mary Jane Veloso's last-minute reprieve is a powerful reminder of the lengths to which a government can go to protect its citizens. It highlights the importance of diplomatic efforts, legal acumen, and the human spirit's resilience in the face of adversity. Mary Jane's case will forever be a testament to the dedication and determination of those who fought to save her life.