DAVAO CITY, Philippines — Vice President Sara Duterte stated on Friday, September 25, that the decision to grant an absolute pardon to overseas Filipino worker Mary Jane Veloso falls squarely under the executive powers of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.
Speaking to reporters in Davao City, Duterte underscored that executive clemency remains a prerogative reserved for the Head of State following proper judicial and administrative review.
“Ang pagpa-pardon naman ay nasa ano ng Pangulo, nasa power yun ng isang Pangulo,” Duterte said.
The Vice President added that the President exercises this authority after evaluating the merits of the case alongside recommendations submitted by the executive board.
“So, kung tingin niya at sa review at recommendation ng Parole and Pardon Board ay dapat magbigay ng pardon,” Duterte said.
Duterte refrained from commenting on the specific details surrounding Veloso’s legal background, focusing her statements strictly on the constitutional scope of presidential pardons.
Her remarks coincided with the Chief Executive’s confirmation that he had officially signed the grant of absolute pardon.
Prior to the announcement, executive officials indicated that the administration was evaluating the grant on humanitarian grounds.
Veloso was originally sentenced to death in Indonesia after being convicted of drug trafficking in 2010. Her execution was stayed in 2015, leading to her eventual repatriation to Philippine custody in December 2024. Throughout her legal struggle, Veloso has maintained her innocence, stating she was tricked into carrying luggage containing illegal drugs.