Politics · Philippines Bureau
Lawmakers praise Marcos pardon for death row Filipino Mary Jane Veloso
Members of the Philippine House of Representatives from both government and opposition parties have welcomed President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.'s decision to grant absolute pardon to Mary Jane Veloso, though some characterize the move as long overdue.
LSN Philippines ·
MANILA — Legislators across the political spectrum expressed support Friday for the presidential pardon granted to Veloso, a Filipino domestic worker who had faced execution in Indonesia on drug-related charges before a last-minute reprieve in 2015.
House members from both the majority and minority coalitions acknowledged that while the absolute pardon represents a significant development in Veloso's case, they noted it should have come sooner. The pardon effectively closes a prolonged chapter for the overseas Filipino worker whose case had drawn sustained attention from government officials and advocacy groups.
Veloso's case gained international prominence when she narrowly avoided execution in Indonesia, where she had been convicted of drug smuggling. The Indonesian government ultimately granted her a reprieve, and she was subsequently released and returned to the Philippines.
The congressional backing reflects broad recognition of Veloso's situation among Philippine lawmakers, signaling continued commitment to supporting overseas Filipino workers facing legal difficulties abroad. The pardon underscores ongoing efforts to provide justice and protection for citizens working in foreign countries.