The recent return of Mary Jane Veloso from Indonesia reignited discussions about the pivotal role played by former President Benigno “Noynoy” Aquino III in her case.
Veloso, who faced execution for drug trafficking, was spared in 2015 due to Aquino’s direct intervention when he broke diplomatic protocol by personally calling Indonesian Foreign Minister Retno Marsudi.
During this phone call, Aquino argued the importance of keeping Veloso alive to testify against the drug syndicate that had exploited her.
Aquino stressed that her testimony was crucial for prosecuting those responsible for her predicament, as she had recently begun cooperating with Philippine authorities.
His efforts were part of a broader strategy to secure clemency for Veloso, which included appeals made during state visits and letters sent to Indonesian leaders.
On April 28, 2015, just hours before her scheduled execution, Aquino’s plea resulted in a last-minute reprieve from Indonesian officials.
This decision was influenced by the emergence of new evidence regarding Veloso’s recruitment and exploitation by a drug syndicate.
Aquino’s administration worked tirelessly to highlight Veloso’s situation, framing it as a humanitarian issue and a matter of justice.
His actions also laid the groundwork for subsequent negotiations between the Philippines and Indonesia regarding her eventual return.
