Three Presidents, One Life: The Mary Jane Veloso Case

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The case of Mary Jane Veloso, a Filipino migrant worker facing drug trafficking charges in Indonesia, has spanned the terms of three Philippine presidents, each taking distinctly different approaches to her situation.

During his presidency, Benigno "Noynoy" Aquino III (2010-2016) took an active diplomatic stance in 2015 to prevent Veloso's execution. As quoted in the image, Aquino stated, "It seems to serve both of our interest to keep her alive to be able to testify." His administration worked through diplomatic channels, emphasizing the importance of Veloso's testimony in identifying those responsible for trafficking operations.

The situation took a dramatic turn under President Rodrigo Duterte's administration (2016-2022). Known for his hardline stance on drugs, Duterte's approach marked a significant shift from his predecessor's. According to the image, in September 2016, he appeared to give Indonesia the go-ahead, stating "Go ahead, proceed with the execution."

Most recently, under President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr.'s administration (2022-present), a new development emerged. The image indicates that as of November 20, 2024, Marcos announced, "We managed to delay her execution long enough to reach an agreement to finally bring her back to the Philippines."

This case highlights how different presidential administrations can take vastly different approaches to similar diplomatic challenges. From Aquino's diplomatic engagement to Duterte's apparent acquiescence, and finally to Marcos's successful negotiation for her return, each president's stance reflected their distinct foreign policy approaches and views on drug-related cases.

Personality Profiles of the Three Philippine Presidents Based on the Mary Jane Veloso Case

1. Benigno "Noynoy" Aquino III (2010-2016): The Diplomatic Negotiator

Approach: Aquino demonstrated a calm, strategic, and principled approach to diplomacy, focusing on justice and due process. His decision to emphasize Veloso's testimony as critical in identifying the real perpetrators showcased a leader who valued cooperation over confrontation.

Personality Traits:

Pragmatic: Aquino's decision to push for Veloso to testify suggests a problem-solving mindset, working towards solutions that benefit both nations.

Empathetic: His willingness to engage diplomatically implies a leader who understood the personal and social dimensions of Mary Jane's case.

Conscientious: Aquino likely placed value on legal processes and ensuring that justice was served not just for Veloso, but also in dismantling larger trafficking networks.

Behavior in This Case: A president who believed in leveraging diplomacy, taking the time to foster partnerships, and acting with measured decisiveness.

2. Rodrigo Duterte (2016-2022): The Hardline Realist

Approach: Duterte's infamous war on drugs and his statement—"Go ahead, proceed with the execution"—revealed a hardline stance against anyone connected to illegal drugs, regardless of circumstance. His foreign policy often reflected a prioritization of domestic agendas over global relationships.

Personality Traits:

Authoritarian: Duterte was known for his uncompromising and unapologetic leadership style, which often emphasized control and deterrence.

Blunt and Unfiltered: His public statements, including on Veloso’s case, showed a leader who preferred direct and unambiguous communication, even when controversial.

Nationalistic but Rigid: While Duterte prioritized national sovereignty, his approach to drug cases often failed to consider the nuances of individuals caught in systemic issues, like trafficking.

Behavior in This Case: Duterte's stance appeared unsympathetic and uncompromising, driven more by his war on drugs ideology than by diplomatic flexibility or individual compassion.

3. Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. (2022-Present): The Pragmatic Negotiator

Approach: Marcos Jr.’s announcement of delaying Veloso’s execution and negotiating her return signals a leader focused on achieving tangible outcomes through practical diplomacy. His approach reflects both strategic patience and adaptability.

Personality Traits:

Strategic: Marcos appears results-oriented, prioritizing long-term solutions and utilizing negotiation to achieve favorable outcomes.

Pragmatic: Unlike his predecessor, Marcos demonstrated a willingness to engage diplomatically without undermining domestic policy priorities.

Image-Conscious: As a leader seeking to enhance international relations and public perception, Marcos may have seen Mary Jane’s case as an opportunity to showcase his administration's effectiveness.

Behavior in This Case: Marcos displayed a balance between diplomacy and assertiveness, achieving an outcome that reflected both sensitivity and strategic leadership.

Summary

The contrasting approaches of the three presidents—Aquino's empathetic diplomacy, Duterte's rigid hardline stance, and Marcos's pragmatic negotiation—reveal not only their leadership styles but also their priorities. Aquino leaned on justice and cooperation, Duterte prioritized deterrence over nuance, and Marcos aimed for a solution that resonated both diplomatically and domestically. Each approach reflects their unique personalities and governance philosophies in addressing the same human rights and diplomatic challenge.

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