HOME AT LAST. Migrant worker Mary Jane Veloso poses for photographers at the Correctional Institution for Women in Mandaluyong City where she was taken right after arrival from Indonesia on Wednesday morning (Dec. 18, 2024), with her two sons to her right and Bureau of Corrections Director General Gregorio Catapang Jr. and Department of Justice Assistant Secretary Mico Clavano behind. Veloso was convicted of drug trafficking and sentenced to death in 2010 until the government finally convinced Indonesian authorities to allow her to serve out her sentence in the Philippines. (PNA photo by Avito Dalan)
MANILA – Home at last after 14 years of imprisonment in Indonesia, Mary Jane Veloso — a mother, a daughter and a victim of circumstance — has become a symbol of the struggles of Filipino migrant workers caught in dire circumstances abroad.
Veloso was convicted of drug trafficking in Indonesia and given the death sentence.
Veloso’s story, marked by legal appeals, international diplomacy, and public outcry that spanned four Philippine administrations, is considered one of the most high-profile legal battles involving an OFW.
President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. extended his “heartfelt gratitude to President Prabowo Subianto and the Indonesian government for their goodwill.”
“This outcome is a reflection of the depth of our nation’s partnership with Indonesia – united in a shared commitment to justice and compassion,” said the President.
During the 42nd ASEAN Summit and Related Summits in Indonesia in May 2023, President Marcos said the national government had persistently appealed to Indonesia for Veloso’s pardon, commutation of sentence, and extradition to serve her sentence in the Philippines.
The long and agonizing wait is finally over as Veloso landed at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 3 on Dec. 18, 2024, following the signing of the “practical agreement” under the leadership of Presidents Marcos and Subianto.
Although Veloso was brought straight to the Correctional Institution for Women, her family and several human rights groups asked President Marcos to grant clemency to Veloso.
The long flight home
Veloso’s troubles started on April 15, 2010, when she was arrested for drug trafficking by Indonesian authorities who found 2.6 kilograms of heroin in her luggage at the Adisucipto International Airport in Yogyakarta.
Although she repeatedly claimed she was tricked by her recruiter into carrying the drugs, she was sentenced to death in 2015, stirring up a debate between the two nations. She was later granted reprieve after Manila informed Jakarta of her recruiters’ surrender.
A native of Talavera, Nueva Ecija, Veloso, a single mother with minimal education, had a hard time getting a job. She worked as a domestic helper in Dubai but had to leave after she was maltreated by her employers.
Desperate for another work abroad, Veloso grabbed the offer of a recruiter, Maria Cristina Sergio, for a job as a domestic helper originally in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
But her job contract was later changed to Indonesia. She said Sergio gave her the luggage containing the heroin.
“Mary Jane’s story resonates with many: a mother trapped by the grip of poverty, who made one desperate choice that altered the course of her life. While she was held accountable under Indonesian law, she remains a victim of her circumstances,” President Marcos said.
Believing that Veloso’s case wasn’t isolated, the President initiated measures to address the plight of OFWs such as the “Aksyon Fund” or the Agarang Kalinga at Saklolo para sa mga OFW na Nangangailangan Fund. The Fund has so far extended legal and labor assistance to some 52,000 OFWs and financial aid to 10,000 others.
Aksyon Fund also provides medical and other forms of assistance to OFWs, including repatriation, shipment of remains, evacuation, and rescue.
Some of the projects for OFWs initiated by President Marcos are the One Repatriation Command Center that allots a hotline for the OFW’s concerns, Livelihood Development Assistance Program, the Balik Pinay Balik Hanap-Buhay, the Financial Awareness Seminar-Small Business Management Training and the Enterprise Development Loan Program, which could assist all OFWs who have decided to return for good in the country.
President Marcos assured OFWs and their families that his administration will exert all measures to protect their welfare and uplift their well-being.
“Sa ating mga OFW na araw-araw ay nagpapamalas ng sipag, husay at katatagan sa inyong mga propesyon at siyang maipagmamalaki natin sa buong mundo: Kayo ang tunay na halimbawa ng makabagong manggagawang Pilipino (To our OFWs who show diligence, skill and stability in your professions daily and the ones we can be proud of around the world, you are the true example of the modern Filipino worker),” he said.
The President also ordered the Department of Migrant Workers to “strengthen protection for OFWs and ensure government help during their times of need.” In his second State of the Nation Address (SONA), the Chief Executive said his administration is engaging with partners in the international community to ensure a safe working environment for OFWs.
“Our priority is to ensure that the principles of ethical recruitment, fair employment, and the safe and orderly migration of our people, are embodied in our agreements with other countries,” he reiterated.
Back in her family’s arms, triumph of diplomacy
Mary Jane’s mother, Celia Veloso, had been a strong voice in the fight for her daughter’s release. She had spoken at many events, pushing for justice. The news of Mary Jane coming home was a dream come true for her and the whole family.
Mary Jane was welcomed back with joy by her family, who have also been through a lot during this fight.
But her joyful return also serves as a reminder to the Philippine government that it needs to do more to protect and help Filipino workers abroad.
Mary Jane’s also tells the story of many other migrants who struggle in their places of work. Hundreds of Filipinos are caught in tough situations around the world, from exploitation to trafficking.
For many Filipino workers, Mary Jane’s release serves as a beacon of hope. It shows that justice is possible, even when things seem tough. Her story encourages others to fight for their rights and highlights the need for better protection for migrant workers.
Mary Jane’s experience has inspired other campaigns aimed at helping Filipino workers, especially those who are victims of trafficking.
Her case marks the crucial outcome of teamwork between government agencies and advocacy groups in fighting for human rights.
President Marcos described Mary Jane’s return as an important feat for the Philippines, not only for her family. He underscored the strength of the government’s advocacy for its citizens everywhere. He referred to this as the soft power of diplomacy in protecting vulnerable people.
