Mary Jane Veloso's relatives are appealing to President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. for the Overseas Filipino Worker's (OFW) clemency, following her arrival in the Philippines early Wednesday.
In an Balansyado exclusive, RH 25 Grace Sansano visited Mary Jane's hometown to interview the latter's family on their reactions and plans, now that their relative finally arrived home. According to her sister, Marites Veloso Laurente, they were excited to see Mary Jane back in the Philippines.
Marites detailed how she immediately ran and embraced her sister as tears started dripping down her face. At that moment, Marites recalled how all the fear and nervousness were replaced by happiness.
“Ngayon na nakauwi na kami dito, yung pakiramdam nawala na talaga yung kung meron man na nararamdaman pa na konting takot or kaba, wala na. Parang ang saya saya, ang sarap sa pakiramdam,” Marites expressed.
“Opo buo [ang pamilya], pati yung mga kapatid ng nanay ko, meron din dalawa na kasama, mga pamangkin niya, buo po kami. Andoon po kami lahat,” she added.
However, the most anticipated reunion did not happen immediately, as security personnel did not allow people to see Mary Jane upon her arrival in the airport.
“Umasa talaga kami sa effort na doon mayayakap na namin siya. Makikita kahit saglit lang, pero hindi. Talagang binakuran siya, dineretso siya [papunta] ng sasakyan. Ni hindi namin nakita yung buhok niya,” Marites said.
Marites also mentioned that they all got emotional, especially their father, once they knew that Mary Jane had arrived.
Mary Jane's sister also mentioned that their lawyers and other authorities promised that they will do whatever it takes for the OFW's clemency. For now, Marites said that she's just relieved that her sister is safe from harm.
“Mas magaan na para sa amin. Kasi malapit na siya. Tsaka alam na namin na ligtas na talaga siya sa anumang kapahamakan. Kasi naandito na siya sa Pilipinas,” she said.
“Pero umaasa pa rin kami, at kahit si Mary Jane ay ang gusto po talaga niya is mapalaya na siya ng tuluyan. Maibigay na sa kanya yung pardon, yung clemency na hinihingi namin. Yun po talaga ang hiling at panalangin naming lahat,” she added.
Home for Christmas
Now that Mary Jane is back home, Marites said that they are planning on celebrating Christmas with the former. Officers assigned at the facility told them to write down the names of those who will visit the OFW for Christmas.
“Ang plano po, pupunta kami doon. Dadalhin namin yung nirequest niyang pagkain na dinuguan, tsaka sinigang na baboy, fruit salad, at tsaka spaghetti,” she said.
Her Son's Plea
Apart from Mary Jane's sister, her son Mark Darren Candelaria also appealed to the President for his mother's clemency.
“Ang sasabihin ko lang po kay President Bongbong Marcos, sana mabigyan niya po kaagad ng clemency si mama bago mag pasko. Ayun lang po yung kahilingan namin, masayang-masaya na po kami,” Darren said.
“Kahit po lumuhod kami sa kanya, gagawin namin mabigyan lang kaagad ng clemency yung magulang ko,” he added.
It was back in 2022 when Darren last hugged his mother. At that time, the only way of seeing Mary Jane was to fly directly to Indonesia or through video call.
Subsequently, Marites also appealed to the President for leniency.
“Hindi lang ako, [pati na] ang aming buong pamilya ay humihiling at nagmamakaawa, nakikiusap sa ating mahal na Pangulong Bongbong Marcos, na sana po ay ibigay na niya yung clemency para kay Mary Jane Veloso,” she said.
“Huwag na po sanang magtagal at ipagkaloob na niya sa amin dahil matagal naman na pong panahon na nagdusa yung kapatid namin na wala naman pong kasalanan,” she added.
More than anything, Mary Jane's relatives are appealing to Marcos because they want the OFW to spend the rest of her days with her sons and parents.
“Sana talaga ipagkaloob na yung clemency kay Mary Jane para makasama niya pa yung nalalabing panahon ng aming mga magulang,” Marites stated.
