Metro Manila, Philippines – The Office of the President is “seriously considering” granting absolute pardon for convicted former overseas worker Mary Jane Veloso on humanitarian grounds, a lawmaker disclosed on Wednesday, Sept. 23.
Bataan Rep. Albert Garcia said the possible pardon would support the commitment to protecting the welfare of migrant workers.
“The Office of the President (OP) is seriously considering granting an absolute pardon to Mary Jane Veloso on humanitarian grounds in support of the government’s commitment to protecting Filipino migrant workers,” Garcia said during a budget sponsorship speech at the House of Representatives.
“There will be an announcement in a few days,” he added.
Malacañang has yet to confirm the information.
Veloso narrowly escaped execution in Indonesia in 2015 after Philippine authorities intervened, saying she was a victim of human trafficking. She was transferred from Indonesian custody to the Philippines in December 2024 to serve time at the Correctional Institution for Women in Mandaluyong City.
There have been appeals for executive clemency for Veloso, who was convicted of drug trafficking in Indonesia in 2010. Malacañang in February said President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. would study the matter.
