Illustration by: Virgilio Biagtan
Mary Jane Veloso, a Filipina who spent nearly 15 years on death row in Indonesia for drug trafficking, has recently been repatriated to the Philippines. Her return was facilitated by an agreement between the Indonesian and Philippine governments, allowing her to serve the remainder of her sentence in her home country.
Veloso’s case has garnered significant attention, with many advocating for her clemency on humanitarian grounds. Her parents have appealed to President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to grant her executive clemency, emphasizing their desire to reunite as a family after years of separation.
President Marcos has indicated that the decision to grant clemency will be evaluated by legal experts, noting that the process is still in its preliminary stages. Given Veloso’s claim that she was an unwitting victim of human trafficking, and considering the years she has already spent incarcerated, granting her clemency would be a compassionate act that acknowledges her circumstances.
The Philippine government has the authority to grant clemency to Veloso, and doing so would demonstrate a commitment to justice and humanitarian principles. It would also provide Veloso with an opportunity to rebuild her life and reintegrate into society. We urge the administration to expedite the review process and consider granting clemency to Mary Jane Veloso, allowing her to reunite with her family and move forward from this prolonged ordeal.