Gov’t grants Mary Jane Veloso absolute pardon after 16 years

 Veloso’s freedom was not granted voluntarily but was won through years of struggle by her family, lawyers, and supporters.

MANILA — Nearly two years since her return to the Philippines in December 2024, Mary Jane Veloso has been granted an absolute pardon by Ferdinand Marcos Jr., ending more than 16 years of detention stemming from a drug trafficking case in Indonesia.

“Pinirmahan ko na yung pardon niya kahapon,” (I already signed [the pardon] yesterday) Ferdinand Marcos Jr. told reporters during an interview in Eastern Samar. 

The development came after Malacañang Press Officer Claire Castro said the president was “seriously considering” granting Veloso an absolute pardon. Veloso had been sentenced to death in Indonesia after authorities accused her of carrying 2.6 kilograms of heroin in 2010.

She was granted last-minute reprieve following  international pressure on the Indonesian government.

Long-awaited

Veloso’s lawyers from the National Union of Peoples’ Lawyers (NUPL) welcomed the decision, describing it as a “long-awaited act” that brings immeasurable relief to Veloso, her family, and the many supporters who stood by her throughout her years of detention.

Prior to the pardon, Veloso sent a handwritten letter to Chief Justice Alexander Gesmundo, reiterating that she was serving a sentence of reclusion perpetua despite what she said was the absence of any legal basis for such classification.

The NUPL also questioned Veloso’s continued detention after her transfer to the Philippines on December 18, 2024. The group argued that the Philippine government had no legal authority to continue enforcing a foreign criminal judgment in the absence of a treaty governing the transfer of sentenced prisoners.

Read: Lawyers, parents of Mary Jane Veloso urge SC to act on habeas corpus petition

Gabriela Women’s Party Rep. Sarah Elago said Veloso’s freedom was not granted voluntarily but was won through years of struggle by her family, lawyers, and supporters.

“Mary Jane should have been freed long ago. For years, we have asserted that she was a victim of human trafficking and exploitation, not a criminal who deserved punishment. Her release is a recognition of the long struggle to correct a grave injustice,” Elago said in Filipino.

She added that Veloso’s case reflects broader conditions that force millions of Filipinos to seek work abroad because of low wages, poverty, and the lack of decent jobs.

Elago further said, “As long as a system that relies on cheap labor and forced migration remains in place, our fellow Filipinos will continue to be vulnerable to trafficking, exploitation, and other forms of abuse.”

Migrante International also welcomed the grant of absolute pardon, describing it as a victory born from years of collective struggle, including vigils, rallies, protest actions, petition drives, letter and phone campaigns, and lobbying efforts.

“At the heart of this global campaign is the sheer determination of Mary Jane’s parents and family who did not waver in their commitment to pursue justice despite all the odds they faced,” Migrante said.

While welcoming the pardon, however, the group stressed that Veloso’s freedom was “long overdue,” saying the Marcos administration had also committed a grave injustice by prolonging her detention in a Philippine prison for one year and nine months despite the absence of charges against her in Philippine courts.

“Our campaign does not end here,” Migrante said. “This victory gives us the inspiration, courage and fuel to advance our movement to free migrant workers from exploitation and assert their full economic, social and political rights abroad and at home.”

For the NUPL, Veloso’s case has become emblematic of the plight of migrant workers and trafficking victims.

“Mary Jane’s story is one of extraordinary courage and resilience,” the group said in a statement, noting that despite coming perilously close to execution, Veloso never lost hope.

“She became a powerful symbol of the struggles endured by countless Filipinos driven abroad by necessity and made vulnerable to trafficking and exploitation,” the NUPL added.

“Her freedom is cause for celebration. It is also a reminder of why trafficking victims must be met first with protection, compassion, and justice, and why no victim should have to spend years fighting simply to be recognized as one.” (AMU, RVO) 

Read more of Mary Jane Veloso’s ordeal in Bulatlat’s special archive.

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