Mary Jane Veloso arrives at the Correctional Institute for Women in Mandaluyong City on December 18, 2024. Maria Tan, ABS-CBN News/File
MANILA — Former death row convict Mary Jane Veloso and officials of the Department of Justice on Thursday warned overseas Filipino workers against committing crimes abroad despite legal protection to trafficked persons under Philippine law.
Veloso, who was recently granted absolute pardon by President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr. joined officials of the Department of Justice in a press conference.
Veloso thanked all those who helped her as she expressed hope that no other Filipino will experience her ordeal.
“At sana po itong pagshe-share ko ng aking kaso ay maging inspirasyon sa iba na para po hindi na sila matulad sa akin para wala na pong pangalawang Mary Jane na makakaranas ng ganito,” Veloso said.
Marcos grants Mary Jane Veloso absolute pardon
DOJ Undersecretary Nicholas Felix Ty explained that under Republic Act No. 10364 or the Philippine Expanded Anti-Trafficking in Persons Act, trafficked persons are recognized as victims and shall not be penalized for crimes directly related to the acts of trafficking under the Non-Punishment Principle.
He however said implementation of the law becomes difficult when other countries are involved.
“Nagtagumpay tayo dito, masaya tayong nakauwi si Mary Jane, pero huwag naman siyang gawing dahilan para sundan iyong kanyang pinagdaanan, dahil huwag nating kalimutan bago tayo umabot sa araw na ito napakaraming pinagdaanan ni Mary Jane,” Ty said.
‘Hindi po ako iniwan ng pamilya ko’: Mary Jane Veloso spends first day with family after release
DOJ Secretary Fredderick Vida admitted that there were legal challenges leading to the decision of the President to grant Veloso absolute pardon.
Asked if there was coordination with the Indonesian government on the decision of the President, Vida said: “Due communication have been made, pati iyong kailangan ba ng authority, hindi na.”
Ty also noted that the legal discussion of Veloso’s case included the involvement of illegal drugs.
“May mga kababayan pa rin tayo na ang tingin, dahil convicted si Mary Jane, like drugs pa, na medyo mainit tayo diyan, kinukwestyon nila kung bakit bibigyan siya ng executive clemency so iyon ang halimbawa ng mga bagay na tinimbang namin kung bakit siya binigyan ng pardon,” Ty said.
After 17 years, Mary Jane Veloso reunites with her family
DOJ Undersecretary Deo Marco emphasized that before her transfer, Indonesian authorities said they would respect the decision of the Philippine government.
“Nirerespeto nila, iyon din naman ang magiging expectation nila sa treatment ng kanilang mga preso na nasa atin,” Marco said.
Asked about her future plans, Mary Jane said she wanted to go into farming in Nueva Ecija but she would continue supporting OFWs by telling her story.
“Meron na po tayong social media ngayon, kahit nasa bahay, kung gusto mong magbigay ng support sa kanila para hindi sila mapahamak, kaya naman po nating gawin iyon,” Veloso said.
Assessment ongoing for grant of sustainable livelihood program for Veloso — DSWD
Palace: Duterte admin nearly killed hopes for Mary Jane Veloso