PRESS STATEMENT ON THE REPRIEVE OF MARY JANE VELOSO

Let us all, as Filipinos and one nation, express to the highest possible degree and with all humility our heartfelt gratitude to the Indonesian government for sparing the life of Mary Jane Veloso, albeit temporarily.

The temporary reprieve of Mary Jane only shows that the Indonesians hold the preservation of innocent life supreme over and above strong conviction against illegal drugs.

I fully support Indonesia's relentless campaign against illegal drugs syndicates and I believe that Mary Jane is an innocent victim of their illegal activities.

I am calling on our government to reciprocate and prove to the Indonesians that Mary Jane is innocent by arresting and putting behind bars the people who used her in their illegal trade.

Again, I would like to thank the Indonesian government and its people.