Press Statement
20 Dec 2024
Why would we in conscience let Mary Jane Veloso stay behind bars any longer, away from her now teenage boys, if we all know she is a victim of circumstance which our own government has characterized her?
2nd photo: Dec 18, 2024 NAIA Manila (waiting excitedly to see his mom come back home) Photo credit: Edre Olalia FB post
Besides, Indonesia has explicitly said repeatedly that it is now our call if we give her clemency and that they will respect that decision to do so?
We believe that the President will demonstrate decisiveness and political acuity , and more importantly, humanity and sensitivity, because he is fully aware that his sole prerogative to exercise his absolute power of pardon is not based on legal grounds but on humanitarian considerations.
This power of executive clemency is his and his alone and any laborious study, extended finding, or expert opinion of any body can only be recommendatory or advisory.
It is his call which is even beyond the ambit of neither the courts nor the legislature.
She is home. Let us set her free already. #
For the NUPL legal team of Mary Jane & Veloso family:
by:Edre U. Olalia, NUPL Chairperson & IADL Co-President
+639175113373
