Politics · Philippines Bureau
Veloso's mother struggles to believe in daughter's presidential pardon
Mary Jane Veloso's mother expressed disbelief after learning President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. had signed documents granting her daughter an absolute pardon. The development came after years of legal battles and international advocacy efforts.
LSN Philippines ·
CABANATUAN CITY – Celia Veloso, mother of death row inmate Mary Jane Veloso, required reassurance from human rights lawyer Edre Olalia to accept that her daughter might finally gain freedom following President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.'s signing of absolute pardon documents on Friday.
The emotional reaction underscores the long struggle the family has endured since Veloso's conviction on drug trafficking charges in Indonesia. For years, her case has drawn attention from human rights groups, religious organizations, and government officials who questioned the fairness of her trial and conviction.
The presidential pardon represents a significant development in a case that has captivated public attention across the Philippines. Veloso has consistently maintained her innocence, claiming she was deceived into carrying a bag containing narcotics without her knowledge.
The absolute pardon marks a potential resolution to one of the country's most high-profile overseas legal cases. If formalized, it would enable Veloso to return to the Philippines and reunite with her family after years of separation.