Nelson Morales

Celia Veloso, church-based group appeal anew for clemency for Mary Jane Veloso

Article (news)

Pia Gutierrez

ABS-CBN News

MANILA — Celia Veloso, mother of convicted Filipina drug courier Mary Jane Veloso, trooped to Malacañang on Friday to personally appeal to President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to grant clemency to her daughter. Veloso, along with members of Migrante International and religious leaders, delivered a letter to Marcos Jr by a church-based group appealing for the Philippine leader to grant clemency to the Filipina.“Full and immediate clemency corresponds with a gift of justice, humanitarian kindness and compassion. It embraces a HOPE for Mary Jane who has surely paid dearly for unwittingly trusting those who took advantage of her. It gives flesh to the spirit of restorative justice, redemption, and reintegration and will facilitate her making up on the time lost with her family and community,” the letter signed by United Church of Christ in the Philippines Bishop Francisco Aviso Jr and a number of priests and nuns read.“As Filipino people who celebrate and rejoice in the coming of Christ in our midst, may his redeeming love be an inspiration in deciding for Clemency for Filipino mother- Mary Jane Veloso. Not only is such an action your prerogative, but we are confident that such Clemency for Mary Jane Veloso is your heart. Clemency for Mary Jane Veloso will send a message to many migrants around the world that we care for their welfare. Clemency for Mary Jane will tell other victims of human trafficking to keep hope, that help is possible,” they wrote.“May you be guided by the light of the Star and be shepherded to wise decision, so that our hearts may be aligned with the Love and Grace of God.”Veloso and her supporters earlier Friday attended a thanksgiving mass at the Bustillos Church for the transfer of the custody of her daughter from Indonesia to Manila.Marcos earlier said that the request for clemency is still under review, and that he will be leaving the matter to legal experts to decide on the matter.Meanwhile, the Commission on Human Rights (CHR) welcomed Veloso’s homecoming.In a statement, CHR said Veloso’s return to the country reflects “the enduring pursuit of justice and compassion.”“This milestone coincides with the recent observance of International Migrant Workers Day, underscoring the bravery of Filipino migrant workers and the urgent need to protect their rights and welfare. Veloso’s case is a stark reminder of the vulnerabilities many migrant workers face, particularly those preyed upon by criminal syndicates exploiting their aspirations for a better future,” it added.CHR likewise commended the Philippine government and the various agency that made Veloso’s return possible.“This achievement reflects the government’s deep commitment to valuing human life and ensuring the safety and well-being of its citizens,” it also said.CHR called on the government to remain vigilant, and to continue protecting Filipino migrant workers.“The government must continue to strengthen protective measures and provide comprehensive support to vulnerable overseas workers,” it said.“The CHR also calls for the government’s attention to other Filipino migrant workers who face criminal charges in foreign countries. It is crucial that the government continues to extend the same protection and diplomatic efforts afforded to Veloso to other Filipino workers in similar situation,” it added.

Celia Veloso, mother of convicted Filipina drug courier Mary Jane Veloso, trooped to Malacañang on Friday to personally appeal to President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to grant clemency to her daughter.

Celia Veloso, mother of convicted Filipina drug courier Mary Jane Veloso, trooped to Malacañang on Friday to personally appeal to President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to grant clemency to her daughter.