Politics · Philippines Bureau
Pangilinan calls for stronger action against traffickers after Veloso pardon
Senator Francis Pangilinan has urged the government to intensify efforts against human traffickers and illegal recruiters following President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.'s decision to grant absolute pardon to overseas worker Mary Jane Veloso. The senator says the case highlights vulnerabilities faced by Filipinos seeking employment abroad.
LSN Philippines ·
MANILA — Senator Francis "Kiko" Pangilinan on Friday renewed calls for a comprehensive crackdown on illegal recruiters, human traffickers, and drug syndicates in the wake of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.'s absolute pardon granted to Mary Jane Veloso.
Pangilinan emphasized that Veloso's case serves as a stark reminder of the dangers confronting Filipinos who venture overseas for work. The senator pointed to systemic vulnerabilities that leave migrant workers susceptible to exploitation and trafficking networks that operate with relative impunity.
The pardon, which came after years of international advocacy efforts, underscores the need for stronger government mechanisms to protect overseas Filipino workers before they depart the country. Pangilinan stressed that addressing the root causes of labor trafficking—including unscrupulous recruitment agencies—should be prioritized alongside efforts to assist workers already in distress abroad.
The senator's call for action reflects broader concerns among lawmakers about the safety of the estimated 10 million Filipinos working internationally. Authorities have long grappled with combating organized trafficking rings that exploit workers seeking better economic opportunities in foreign countries.