MANILA — The Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) has promised complete assistance to former overseas Filipino worker Mary Jane Veloso as she prepares to return home and rebuild her life after receiving an absolute pardon from President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.
The department publicly expressed its appreciation to the President for issuing the executive clemency that facilitated Veloso’s release and long-awaited homecoming.
In line with executive directives, the agency emphasized its readiness to deliver all necessary programs to assist her return to society.
“Kami po sa Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) ay nakaalalay kay Mary Jane sa kanyang muling pagsisimula, alinsunod sa inyong tagubilin patungkol sa reintegration. Handa ang DMW na magbigay ng kinakailangang tulong at suporta para sa kanyang reintegrasyon kasama ang kanyang pamilya,” the DMW said.
Migrant Workers Secretary Hans Leo Cacdac instructed a dedicated team to collaborate with Veloso’s family in Nueva Ecija to design a personalized support plan.
Jointly provided by the DMW and the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration, the assistance package includes business capital, skills training, livelihood starter kits, and psychosocial support.
Furthermore, the agency plans to integrate her upcoming economic projects with local businesses and agricultural cooperatives in Nueva Ecija.
The announcement comes after President Marcos confirmed signing her absolute pardon on September 25. Veloso had been incarcerated for nearly 15 years following her 2010 arrest and subsequent drug trafficking conviction in Indonesia.
Although initially given a death sentence by Indonesian courts, she received a last-minute stay of execution in 2015 to allow her to testify against her alleged human traffickers.
Through a bilateral agreement between Manila and Jakarta, she was transferred to Philippine custody in December 2024 to serve the rest of her sentence before receiving the full presidential pardon that restored her freedom.
The DMW affirmed that it will remain actively involved in guiding Veloso and her relatives throughout her transition to private life.