A Plea for Freedom: Mary Jane Veloso’s future Hangs in the Balance
Mary Jane Veloso’s return to the Philippines after over a decade on Indonesian death row sparked immense relief and joy across the nation. Now, Senior Citizen Party-list Rep. Rodolfo “Ompong” Ordanes is urging President ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.to consider granting Veloso executive clemency, taking into account the suffering of her aging parents and the long-awaited reunion of the Veloso family. “It is indeed customary at year-end for the President to grant the release of prisoners, including elderly ones,” said ordanes. “Incidental to this,I ask President Ferdinand R.Marcos Jr to include Mary Jane Veloso’s senior citizen parents and children among the factors to consider when he grants executive clemency to Mary Jane.” Veloso, who was alleged to be an unsuspecting drug mule, faced execution in Indonesia. Though,she was ultimately spared. Her return home after 15 years brought immense relief to her family and the nation. “Seeing Mary Jane’s parents suffer because of what happened to their child is heartbreaking, but the entire nation, especially us seniors, deeply felt the relief and joy when the veloso family was reunited,” Ordanes shared. “We were able to wait 15 years for Mary Jane’s repatriation. Now, we can wait a bit more for the legal process to take it’s course so she will finally gain her freedom.” While a pardon may not be a viable option for Veloso, as the President’s power to pardon is limited to the Philippines, Ordanes believes executive clemency remains a possibility. “But the President can grant executive clemency provided all the requirements and processes for such are followed faithfully and properly,” Ordanes stated.
## Awaiting Clemency: An Interview with Rep. Rodolfo “Ompong” Ordanes on Mary Jane Veloso’s Future
**Archyde:** Congressman Ordanes, the return of Mary Jane Veloso to the Philippines after spending 15 years on death row in Indonesia has been met with immense relief and jubilation. What are your thoughts on her case, now that she is home?
**Rep. Ordanes:** It was a time of grate sorrow and anticipation for Mary Jane and her family during those long years. Now, seeing their reunion brings joy to the entire nation. However, Mary Jane’s ordeal is far from over. her freedom remains uncertain.
**Archyde:** With President Marcos nearing the conventional end-of-year pardons, you have publicly advocated for executive clemency for Ms. Veloso.
Could you elaborate on why you believe this is a suitable course of action?
**Rep. Ordanes:** It is customary for the President to grant pardons and releases around this time, especially for elderly prisoners. Given Ms. Veloso’s ordeal and the profound suffering of her senior citizen parents, I believe including their situation in the President’s consideration is not only compassionate but also just.
**Archyde:** While pardon may not be a viable option due to the legal limitations surrounding offenses committed abroad,is executive clemency truly achievable in this case?
**Rep. Ordanes:** While pardon might be out of reach, executive clemency remains a distinct possibility. As long as all legal requirements and processes are followed diligently, there’s a chance the president could grant Ms. Veloso a pathway to lasting freedom.
**Archyde:** Do you believe the President will ultimately grant Ms. Veloso clemency, or do you anticipate potential roadblocks?
**Rep. Ordanes:** Given the complex legal landscape surrounding international cases and the potential political ramifications, it’s difficult to predict the President’s decision. However, I remain hopeful that the President will consider the remarkable circumstances of Ms. Veloso’s case and prioritize compassion in his decision.
**Archyde:** Ms. Veloso’s story shines a light on the sensitive
nature of international justice and its profound impact on families. What message would you like to leave our readers with regarding her case and the complexities surrounding it?
**Rep. ordanes:** The plight of Mary Jane veloso serves as a stark reminder that justice must always be tempered with mercy.
Ultimately, a comprehensive approach is needed to address the intricacies of international drug trafficking cases, seeking solutions that uphold justice while acknowledging the human cost involved. What are your thoughts on the delicate balance between upholding justice and demonstrating compassion in cases like Mary Jane Veloso’s? Share your opinions below.
## Archyde Interview: A Plea for Freedom – Rep.Rodolfo “Ompong” Ordanes on Mary Jane Veloso
**Host:** Welcome back to Archyde. Today,we’re joined by Rep. Rodolfo “Ompong” Ordanes, senior Citizen Party-list Representative, to discuss the future of Mary Jane Veloso, who recently returned to the Philippines after over a decade on Indonesian death row. Rep. Ordanes, thank you for being with us.
**Rep. Ordanes:** It’s a pleasure to be here.
**Host:** First,let’s recap for our viewers. Mary Jane Veloso’s return home after 15 years sparked immense joy and relief.What are your thoughts on her current situation?
**Rep. Ordanes:** It was truly heartwarming to see Mary Jane finally reunited with her family after all these years. However, while her return is reason for celebration, she remains in legal limbo. Her freedom ultimately rests with President Marcos.
**Host:** You’ve been vocal about requesting President Marcos consider granting Mary Jane executive clemency. Can you elaborate on why you believe this is the right course of action?
**Rep. Ordanes:** This case transcends purely legal matters. We must consider the human cost.Mary Jane’s aging parents have suffered tremendously throughout this ordeal. their health is failing, and time is of the essence for them to truly experience the joy of their daughter’s return.
**Host:** Would you say a presidential pardon is out of the question in Mary Jane’s case?
**Rep. Ordanes:** A pardon, sadly, is unlikely given the president’s authority only extends to offenses committed within the Philippines. However, executive clemency remains a possibility. It’s a process that requires meticulous adherence to legal procedures,but it is a path forward.
**host:** What message do you have for President Marcos regarding Mary Jane’s future?
**Rep. Ordanes:** Mr. President, we understand the intricacies of this case. I urge you to consider the profound emotional and familial impact this case has had.Granting Mary Jane executive clemency would not only be an act of compassion but a testament to our nation’s commitment to justice and mercy. Imagine the joy of a complete reunion for Mary Jane and her family. Let’s ensure this Christmas season brings true freedom for Mary Jane Veloso.
**Host:** Rep. Ordanes, thank you for your insightful outlook. This is undoubtedly a pressing issue, and we hope for a positive resolution for Mary Jane and her family.
**(End of Interview)**
This is just a starting point, of course. You can expand on this framework by:
1. Adding more specific details from the provided text, such as quotes directly from Rep. Ordanes
2. Including follow-up questions that delve deeper into the legal intricacies of the case
3.expanding on the potential impact of Rep. Ordanes’s appeal on the national conversation surrounding mary Jane Veloso’s case
