Three Presidents, One Life: The Mary Jane Veloso Case

Wazzup Pilipinas!?

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.

BSP Unveils New Polymer Banknotes: A Smarter, Cleaner, and Stronger Future for Philippine Currency

Wazzup Pilipinas!?

The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) marked another milestone in the country’s monetary history with the launch of the First Philippine Polymer Banknote (FPP) Series. Following the successful release of the P1,000 polymer banknote in 2022, the BSP introduced new polymer banknotes for P500, P100, and P50 denominations in a ceremony held at Malacañang.

Why Polymer Banknotes?

BSP Governor Eli M. Remolona emphasized the significant benefits of transitioning to polymer currency, describing the new banknotes as “smarter, cleaner, and stronger.”

Smarter: The polymer banknotes incorporate advanced anti-counterfeiting features that make them more secure, with a smaller carbon footprint due to their sustainable production.

Cleaner: Unlike traditional paper bills, polymer banknotes are resistant to moisture and grime, and viruses and bacteria survive for shorter durations on their surfaces.

Stronger: Designed to last significantly longer than paper currency, the polymer banknotes are more durable, reducing the costs associated with frequent replacements.

Governor Remolona’s remarks highlighted the BSP’s commitment to innovation and efficiency, ensuring the Philippine peso keeps pace with global advancements in currency technology.

Fresh Designs Reflecting Filipino Heritage and Biodiversity

The new polymer banknotes embrace both modern functionality and Filipino identity by featuring native species and intricate local weaves, celebrating the country’s natural and cultural treasures:

P500: The Visayan Spotted Deer, an endangered species endemic to the Visayas, takes center stage.

P100: The Palawan Peacock-Pheasant, a striking bird found in Palawan’s forests, symbolizes the country’s rich biodiversity.

P50: The Visayan Leopard Cat, another native species, highlights the Philippines’ commitment to wildlife conservation.

These designs follow the precedent set by the P1,000 polymer banknote, which featured the iconic Philippine eagle. The creative blend of wildlife imagery and local weave patterns reflects the BSP’s intent to preserve and promote Filipino heritage in every peso.

A Smooth Transition to Polymer

The new polymer banknotes will enter circulation in the first quarter of 2025, but the BSP has confirmed that limited quantities will already be available starting this month.

During the launch, President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. reassured the public that traditional paper banknotes will continue to be accepted and remain valid alongside the new polymer series.

“By upgrading our currency, we are making sure that every hard-earned peso stays safe, whether it is saved, whether it is spent, or whether it is invested,” Marcos said. He also urged Filipinos to view the shift to polymer as a step towards a more modern and resilient currency.

“There is no need to worry about that—the cash in your wallet still has its value. The polymer banknotes are simply a step forward—stronger, more durable, better suited for today’s demands, while still preserving the essence of what makes our currency truly Filipino.”

Global Recognition and Moving Forward

Despite earlier criticisms of the P1,000 polymer banknote, its groundbreaking design earned international acclaim, receiving the prestigious “Banknote of the Year” award in 2023 from the International Banknote Society. This recognition underscores the BSP’s vision for a more innovative and secure Philippine currency system.

With the launch of the FPP Series, the Philippines joins a growing list of nations adopting polymer banknotes for their durability, security, and environmental benefits. The new series reaffirms the BSP’s role in safeguarding the integrity of the Philippine peso while honoring the country’s heritage.

Looking Ahead

As the BSP takes this bold step towards modernizing the nation’s currency, Filipinos can look forward to safer, cleaner, and longer-lasting banknotes that not only meet today’s demands but also showcase the beauty and richness of the Philippines.

The polymer revolution is here, and it’s stronger than ever.

Duterte's Tarnished Legacy: From Hero to Object of Doubt

Wazzup Pilipinas!?

Once hailed as a bold and uncompromising leader, former President Rodrigo Duterte's political legacy is undergoing a dramatic reassessment. While his fiery leadership and populist rhetoric captivated the nation during his presidency, a growing tide of investigations and revelations now threaten to unravel his image as a strongman who fought against crime and drugs.

A Legacy in Question

During his time in office, Duterte commanded an almost cult-like following. No other post-EDSA president achieved the same level of public trust and approval ratings as he did. Politicians showered him with praise, while government officials competed to win his favor. His reign was marked by his signature war on drugs — an initiative he touted as a crusade to rid the Philippines of illegal substances and criminality.

However, the sheen of his leadership is now marred by controversy. Investigations spearheaded by a coalition of House committees — widely perceived as politically charged due to the Marcos administration’s alignment — have unearthed allegations that could permanently stain Duterte’s legacy.

The Quad Committee's Damning Findings

Central to the investigation are testimonies that paint a drastically different picture of Duterte’s war on drugs. Far from being the unwavering anti-crime crusader, the findings allege Duterte played a key role in a criminal enterprise that profited from the very activities he claimed to eradicate.

According to witness statements, including retired policeman Arturo Lascañas — a self-confessed member of Duterte’s infamous Davao Death Squad — the former president was a “protector and gang leader” of drug lords, particularly in Davao City. Lascañas’ affidavit, which also underpins the International Criminal Court (ICC) case against Duterte, asserts that illegal drug operations flourished under Duterte's watch.

These revelations highlight Duterte's long-standing association with individuals like Michael Yang, a controversial businessman appointed as an economic adviser during his presidency. Yang’s alleged involvement in multi-billion-peso drug operations, corrupt procurement deals during the COVID-19 pandemic, and the proliferation of Philippine offshore gaming operations (POGOs) further deepens suspicions about Duterte's complicity.

Death and Dollars: A Brutal War

While Duterte's war on drugs resonated with Filipinos frustrated by rampant crime, it came at a horrifying cost. Police records reveal that an average of 39 suspected drug offenders were killed daily during the first two years of his administration.

The quad committee alleges that these killings were incentivized. Police officers and vigilantes were reportedly rewarded with taxpayer money for each suspect eliminated — a grim transaction that turned Duterte’s campaign into a machine of sanctioned violence.

Despite widespread reports of human rights abuses, Duterte’s supporters clung to his image as a decisive leader. Yet, as investigations continue, this "do-something" reputation increasingly appears to be a façade.

A Crumbling Stronghold

The inquiry into Duterte’s actions, coupled with a parallel investigation into Vice President Sara Duterte’s questionable use of confidential funds, has cast a shadow over the political future of the Duterte family. Once seen as untouchable, both father and daughter now face intense scrutiny that threatens to erode their political influence.

While Duterte remains defiant, the weight of mounting evidence and public disillusionment may prove overwhelming. For a man who built his reputation on swift action and unrelenting authority, the slow burn of accountability might be his greatest reckoning.

The Road Ahead

For Duterte, the quad committee investigation offers two possible paths: vindication, should the allegations prove unfounded, or condemnation, should the evidence hold. Either way, the inquiry represents a critical moment for Philippine democracy — a test of whether even the most powerful can be held accountable.

Duterte's supporters argue that his achievements outweigh the allegations, citing infrastructure projects and economic initiatives implemented during his term. However, for many, the enduring memory of his presidency will be the lives lost and the broken families left in the wake of his drug war.

A Tarnished Image

Duterte once thrived on his ability to command public perception. His “golden image” as a crime-busting hero served as both shield and sword against critics. Now, that image appears increasingly fragile, with cracks widening under the weight of testimonies, investigations, and the court of public opinion.

History will ultimately judge Rodrigo Duterte, but as revelations continue to unfold, one thing is clear: the legacy he sought to build is far from untouchable. In the face of evidence suggesting betrayal of the public trust, the former president’s mythos may soon collapse, leaving behind a cautionary tale of power, deception, and the pursuit of accountability.