By Filane Mikee Cervantes
MANILA – Speaker Martin Romualdez on Wednesday lauded President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s diplomatic efforts for securing the return of Mary Jane Veloso, the Filipina worker who spent 14 years on Indonesia’s death row.
“I commend President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. for his resolute leadership and compassionate heart in bringing Mary Jane home. This achievement highlights the President’s firm commitment to protecting and upholding the rights of our overseas Filipino workers, even in the most difficult of circumstances,” Romualdez said in a statement.
“His determination to engage in meaningful diplomacy reflects the government’s priority to put our people’s welfare above all else.”
Romualdez likewise cited the tireless efforts of Veloso’s family and other advocates who worked tirelessly to help save her life.
He described Veloso’s return as a “triumph of hope, diplomacy, and justice.”
“Her case symbolizes the enduring struggle of many Filipinos abroad who are driven by the desire to uplift their families, only to face extraordinary challenges,” Romualdez said.
He underscored the President’s direct involvement in the process, crediting him with securing Veloso’s release from what seemed an impossible situation.
During the 42nd ASEAN Summit and Related Summits in Indonesia in May 2023, President Marcos emphasized the Philippine government had consistently appealed to Indonesia for Veloso’s pardon, commutation of sentence, and extradition so she could serve her sentence in the Philippines.
Romualdez also extended his gratitude to Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto and the Indonesian government for their compassion.
“This act of compassion strengthens the bonds of friendship between our two nations, built on mutual respect and shared values of justice and humanity,” he said.
Romualdez called for systemic reforms to safeguard overseas Filipino workers from exploitation by unscrupulous recruiters and criminal syndicates.
“As Speaker of the House of Representatives, I vow to continue working closely with our government agencies to advance policies that protect OFWs and their families, ensuring that no Filipino feels abandoned or unheard, no matter where they are,” he said.
Moment of relief
House Committee on Overseas Workers Affairs chair and Tingog Party-list Rep. Jude Acidre said Veloso’s return is the result of “tireless efforts and dedicated leadership” of President Marcos and the partnership with President Prabowo, which he called an example of international collaboration in the pursuit of justice.
Acidre described it as a “moment of relief” after years of uncertainty.
“As Chairperson of the House Committee on Overseas Worker Affairs, I join the nation in celebrating the return of Mary Jane Veloso to the Philippines after more than a decade of uncertainty on death row in Indonesia. Her homecoming is the result of relentless efforts by her family, advocates, and the Philippine government, under the leadership of President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr.,” Acidre said.
Acidre said Veloso’s transfer is not just a “diplomatic victory”, but also serves as a “beacon of hope and justice” for all Filipinos.
OFW Party-list Representative Marissa Magsino hailed the development as a triumph of diplomacy, expressing her gratitude to both President Marcos and President Prabowo for their roles in facilitating Veloso’s return.
“Buong pusong kagalakan at pasasalamat ang aming nararamdaman… sa napipintong pagbabalik ni Mary Jane Veloso sa ating bansa (We feel heartfelt joy and gratitude… for the imminent return of Mary Jane Veloso to our country),” Magsino said in a statement.
The transfer, facilitated through years of bilateral discussions, gives Veloso a chance to serve her sentence closer to her family and offers hope for her reintegration into Philippine society, Magsino said.
“Si Mary Jane ay simbolo ng maraming Pilipino na naging biktima ng human trafficking at ilegal na gawain, ngunit nananatiling matatag sa paghahanap ng katarungan at pag-asa (Mary Jane is a symbol of many Filipinos who have fallen victim to human trafficking and illegal activities, yet remain steadfast in seeking justice and hope),” Magsino said.
Magsino, also the president of the Anti-Trafficking OFW Movement (ATOM), stressed the need for stricter measures to protect Filipino workers abroad.
“Kailangang paigtingin ang kampanya laban sa human trafficking upang hindi na maulit ang ganitong trahedya (We need to strengthen the campaign against human trafficking to prevent such tragedies from happening again),” she said.
Kabayan Party-list Rep. Ron Salo said Veloso’s return highlights the Philippine government’s resolve in “protecting the lives and dignity” of every OFW, especially those in vulnerable situations.
“I commend the Philippine government for successfully bringing Mary Jane Veloso back to the country,” he said.
Salo said Veloso’s case underscores the dangers faced by OFWs and called for stronger measures to protect them from trafficking and exploitation.
“We must work tirelessly to prevent similar situations from happening to other fellow Filipinos. As we welcome Mary Jane home, let us continue to seek justice and ensure all OFWs receive the protection and support they deserve,” he added.
Senator Raffy Tulfo commended President Marcos for his diplomatic efforts to ensure Veloso’s return.
“Thank you PBBM for your unwavering commitment to protecting our kababayans abroad and fostering strong diplomatic ties with Indonesia. Mary Jane is indeed, coming home,” Tulfo, chairperson of the Senate Committee on Migrant Workers, said in a statement.
Tulfo said under President Marcos, the welfare of OFWs is always protected and looked after.
He also lauded the DFA and the Indonesian government for the positive result of the Philippine government’s appeal to return Veloso to the country.
Senator Grace Poe said the welfare of the OFWs “is a matter of great importance.
“It is incumbent upon concerned government agencies to safeguard our migrant workers and guarantee their rights,” Poe said.
“We laud the mutual effort of the Philippine and Indonesian governments for making Mary Jane Veloso’s homecoming possible. In the Senate, we augmented the AKSYON fund to provide legal, medical, and financial assistance to our OFWs,” she added.
Poe also assured funds for the National Reintegration Center and OFW helpdesks. (with a report from Leonel Abasola/PNA)