Most likely, many share the view Randy David expressed in his column “Lack of gratitude” (Opinion, 05/03/15). If only the public writes the Inquirer! Gratefulness and humility are cherished. Sadly, these Christian values were sorely wanting in the press conference reportedly arranged by Migrante International for the Velosos upon their arrival from Jakarta.
In the nationwide celebration for Mary Jane Veloso’s escape from the Indonesian firing squad, a rare chance to get hold of that elusive national unity for us Filipinos slipped again from our hands. What was Migrante up to? Were mother Celia Veloso and daughter Marites again misled, just as Mary Jane was reportedly hoodwinked into “smuggling” heroine from Manila or Kuala Lumpur to Jakarta?
The Veloso family profusely thanked “Migrante, the National Union of Peoples’ Lawyers, Manny Pacquiao, the media, the Church, international groups and others more, but left out President Benigno Aquino III and the Department of Foreign Affairs for whom it had only derision and ridicule. Noticeable was the nonmention of Vice President Jejomar Binay who was neither praised nor criticized.
Migrante and the Velosos should be reminded that four Africans, two Australians, a Brazilian and a kababayan of President Widodo were executed, and Mary Jane would have suffered the same fate for the same crime they were convicted of. They missed the chance to show genuine empathy for the victims’ loved ones who were grieving.
The victims were not as fortunate as Mary Jane or as the Frenchman who after 10 years in prison, was granted a judicial review (the first relative to his case) and he correctly let the French government do the talking. We are uncertain if Mary Jane was even told of the upcoming hostile press conference in Manila; was she consulted?
Is politics rearing its ugly head again? In the Mamasapano incident, the buck may have stopped at the Palace’s doorstep, but in the “Jakarta reprieve,” President Aquino deserves unqualified recognition. Although the public must avoid being conditioned into believing that Mary Jane’s reprieve is permanent. Neither should the issue be allowed to linger indefinitely. The matter must come to a conclusion.
—MANUEL Q. BONDAD, Palanan, Makati City