REPRESENTATIVE Marissa “Del Mar” Magsino of the OFW Party List has expressed her joy over the scheduled return of Mary Jane Veloso, the Filipina on death row in Indonesia, who is set to arrive in the Philippines within the week. Veloso has been imprisoned since 2010 after being convicted of drug trafficking; a crime she claims she unknowingly committed as a victim of human trafficking.
“This is a long-overdue victory for Mary Jane Veloso and her family. Her return marks an important step toward justice, but we hope coming home would mean being back in the embrace of her family, and not just a transfer from one prison to another.” said Rep. Magsino.
In line with this, Rep. Magsino filed Monday House Resolution 2139 today urging President Ferdinand ‘Bongbong’ Marcos Jr. to grant presidential pardon to Veloso. She emphasized that Veloso’s case highlights the exploitation faced by Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) and the urgent need for government intervention to address such injustices.
“Mary Jane’s story is a stark reminder of the dangers our OFWs face in their pursuit of a better life. By seeking a pardon, President Marcos can help restore her dignity and show the world that the Philippines stands firmly in protecting its citizens abroad,” Rep. Magsino stated.
Veloso’s return comes after years of advocacy by her family and human rights groups. While her arrival brings relief, Rep. Magsino said her coming home to the Philippines was made possible by the adoption of the Indonesian government of its new policy allowing the transfer of custody over foreign prisoners to their countries of nationality.
While technically under the new policy, Indonesia will retain legal custody while the Philippines will have physical custody over her person, the Philippine government has worked out a deal wherein President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr. will have the discretion to grant presidential pardon to Mary Jane Veloso once she is transferred to a Philippine prison and such a decision will be respected by the Indonesian government.
“A pardon would not only end the lingering shadow of her conviction, but also reaffirm our commitment to fighting for justice for every OFW,” Magsino added.
The lawmaker also called for systemic reforms to prevent similar cases, urging the government to strengthen anti-trafficking laws and enhance support mechanisms for migrant workers.
“We cannot allow another Mary Jane Veloso to happen. Her case should push us to do more in protecting our OFWs from trafficking and exploitation,” she said.
Rep. Magsino thanked President Marcos and other officials involved in facilitating Veloso’s return. She vowed that the OFW Party List would continue to push for measures to safeguard the welfare and rights of Filipino workers abroad.
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