MANILA, Philippines — Senator Francis “Kiko” Pangilinan has expressed support for President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s decision to grant an absolute pardon to Mary Jane Veloso, while pressing law enforcement agencies to step up efforts against illegal recruiters and human trafficking syndicates.
Pangilinan, who heads the Senate Committee on Justice and Human Rights, noted that the executive clemency allows Veloso and her family to rebuild their lives following nearly 16 years of legal battles and personal distress.
He highlighted her ordeal as a stark warning about the dangers facing Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) seeking employment abroad.
“Like Mary Jane, many OFWs go abroad for the sake of their families. They leave to send their children to school, support their families, and secure decent employment,” Pangilinan said.
“As we celebrate Mary Jane’s freedom, let us continue to hold accountable the illegal recruiters, human traffickers, and drug syndicates that exploit the dreams and vulnerabilities of our fellow OFWs,” he stressed.
Veloso’s legal struggles began on April 25, 2010, when she was arrested at Adisucipto International Airport in Yogyakarta, Indonesia, after law enforcers discovered approximately 2.6 kilograms of heroin hidden inside her luggage.
Maintaining her innocence, Veloso stated she was unaware of the contraband’s presence. Despite her claims, Indonesian courts convicted her of drug trafficking and handed down a death sentence.
Her execution was halted at the last minute in April 2015 after her alleged recruiters surrendered to Philippine authorities. The Philippine government subsequently notified Indonesian officials that her testimony would be vital in prosecuting the human trafficking charges against her handlers.
Veloso remained in Indonesian custody until diplomatic negotiations led to her repatriation to the Philippines in December 2024, where she was held at the Correctional Institution for Women in Mandaluyong City.
In June 2026, she formally testified in local court proceedings against the individuals accused of her trafficking.
Reaffirming his support for the Chief Executive’s decision, Pangilinan welcomed the final resolution of the long-running case.
“We welcome President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s granting of an absolute pardon to Mary Jane Veloso,” Pangilinan said.
“After a long separation, Mary Jane and her family will gradually have the opportunity to reclaim the time they lost—and restart the life they have long prayed for,” he reiterated.