Mary Jane Veloso’s Long Fight for Freedom Takes Another Major Turn
MARY JANE VELOSO – After spending nearly 15 years in prison, Mary Jane Veloso may be closer to a new beginning as Malacañang confirms that Marcos is considering clemency for her.
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has granted an absolute pardon to Mary Jane Veloso, bringing a major development to the long-running case of the Filipino former overseas worker who spent nearly 15 years in prison in Indonesia.
Marcos personally confirmed that he had signed Veloso’s pardon on Thursday, September 24. In an interview with GMA News, the President said, “Sige, I’ll give you a scoop. Pinirmahan ko na… Pinirmahan ko na yung pardon niya kahapon,” confirming that the clemency had already been approved.
The development came just days after Malacañang confirmed that the President was seriously considering granting Veloso an absolute pardon on humanitarian grounds. The Palace had earlier said that a decision was being evaluated and that an announcement would be made once the President was ready.
Veloso was arrested in Indonesia in 2010 after authorities discovered about 2.6 kilograms of heroin inside her luggage. She was subsequently convicted of drug trafficking and sentenced to death.
Veloso has maintained that she was unaware of the illegal drugs hidden in the suitcase. Her case later became closely associated with concerns over human trafficking and the exploitation of migrant workers.
Her scheduled execution in 2015 was halted following a last-minute reprieve from Indonesian authorities. The Philippine government had appealed for her execution to be stopped after her alleged recruiter surrendered to authorities.
Veloso remained in Indonesian custody for more than a decade before she was transferred to the Philippines in December 2024. She arrived home on December 18 of that year and was brought to the Correctional Institution for Women in Mandaluyong to continue serving her sentence.
The Philippine government had continued efforts to secure clemency for Veloso. In July 2026, Malacañang said her appeal for executive clemency would be relayed to Marcos for consideration.
The latest development now marks a significant change in Veloso’s legal situation. Her family and supporters had repeatedly sought executive clemency, citing her circumstances and alleged victimization through human trafficking.
READ ALSO: Mary Jane Veloso Now In PH Custody, PBBM Yet To Decide Her Pardon
