Senators are weighing in on Mary Jane Veloso's case, as the mutual efforts between the Philippines and Indonesia made the Overseas Filipino Workers’ (OFW) homecoming possible.
On Wednesday, Senator Grace Poe lauded both countries for permitting Veloso's return. She said that the welfare of OFWs is a ‘matter of great importance,’ as it is incumbent upon the concerned government agencies. According to Poe, the government must safeguard migrant workers and uphold their rights.
The Senator cited that the AKSYON fund provides OFWs with legal, medical, and financial assistance. Apart from that, the National Reintegration Center and OFW help desks also provide funds for the workers.
“We must see to it that no Filipino migrant worker falls victim to yet another death sentence,” Poe said.
That same day, Senate President Pro Tempore Jinggoy Ejercito Estrada also commended the Malacañang's efforts to bring home the OFW.
Estrada said that Veloso is a victim of circumstance, as she had fallen victim to unscrupulous individuals who exploited her vulnerability. Her case called for urgency on officials to protect migrant workers from similar cases, including strengthening mechanisms against human trafficking and illegal recruitment.
“Her case deserves a thorough review. I urge the Department of Justice to consider her status as a victim of human trafficking and involvement in drug syndicates. They should explore options for clemency or commutation of her sentence, recognizing her as a victim rather than a criminal,” Estrada said.
Meanwhile, Senator Raffy Tulfo also expressed his gratitude to President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. for his unwavering commitment to protecting OFWs and fostering strong diplomatic ties with Indonesia.
Senate President Chiz Escudero also lauded the President and the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) efforts to bring Veloso home after 14 years.
“We owe our immense gratitude to President Prabowo Subianto and the entire Indonesian government for its compassion. Mary Jane has spent over a third of her life in prison and every day of those 14 years not knowing if it will be her last. We look forward to welcoming Mary Jane back to the Philippines,” Escudero said.
“We call on the authorities concerned to ensure the safety of Mary Jane upon her return to the Philippines and to reach out to her family and allay whatever fears or concerns they may have about her transfer,” he ended.
