SPEAKER Ferdinand Martin G. Romualdez on Wednesday expressed profound gratitude to President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. for his resolute diplomatic endeavor that secured the return of Mary Jane Veloso, the Filipina worker who endured 14 years on Indonesia’s death row.
President Marcos announced early Wednesday morning that Veloso is finally coming home. In a statement, the President underscored the government’s commitment to protecting Filipinos abroad and detailed the long and sensitive negotiations that led to Veloso’s release.
The announcement brought an outpouring of relief and joy, particularly from Veloso’s family in Nueva Ecija.
“I commend President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. for his resolute leadership and compassionate heart in bringing Mary Jane home. This achievement highlights the President’s firm commitment to protecting and upholding the rights of our overseas Filipino workers, even in the most difficult of circumstances,” said Speaker Romualdez.
“His determination to engage in meaningful diplomacy reflects the government’s priority to put our people’s welfare above all else,” he added.
The House Speaker likewise cited the tireless efforts of Veloso’s family and other advocates who worked tirelessly to help save her life.
Arrested in 2010 after unknowingly carrying drugs hidden in her luggage, Veloso narrowly avoided execution multiple times as the Philippine government and advocacy groups fought for her freedom.
‘Triumph of diplomacy’
“The return of Mary Jane Veloso to the Philippines is a triumph of hope, diplomacy, and justice. Her case symbolizes the enduring struggle of many Filipinos abroad who are driven by the desire to uplift their families, only to face extraordinary challenges,” Speaker Romualdez said.
He cited the President’s direct involvement in the process, crediting him with securing Veloso’s release from what seemed an impossible situation.
During the 42nd ASEAN Summit and Related Summits in Indonesia in May 2023, President Marcos emphasized the Philippine government had consistently appealed to Indonesia for Veloso’s pardon, commutation of sentence, and extradition so she could serve her sentence in the Philippines.
But the Speaker likewise expressed gratitude to the Indonesian government for its gesture of goodwill.
“I also express my gratitude to the Indonesian government, particularly President Prabowo Subianto, for their goodwill and understanding,” he said.
“This act of compassion strengthens the bonds of friendship between our two nations, built on mutual respect and shared values of justice and humanity.”
Safeguarding OFWs
While celebrating Veloso’s eventual return, Romualdez turned his attention to the broader challenges overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) faced and called for systemic reforms to safeguard OFWs from exploitation by unscrupulous recruiters and criminal syndicates.
“As Speaker of the House of Representatives, I vow to continue working closely with our government agencies to advance policies that protect OFWs and their families, ensuring that no Filipino feels abandoned or unheard, no matter where they are,” Speaker Romualdez said.
He noted that Mary Jane’s story serves as a powerful reminder of the challenges faced by our kababayans abroad and the importance of safeguarding their rights and dignity at all times.
“To Mary Jane, welcome home. Your resilience and courage inspire us all, and we stand ready to support you as you begin anew.”
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