Whatever happens to Veloso, PH gov’t should help her family—Angara

The children and other family members of Mary Jane Veloso. AP FILE PHOTO

The government should make sure that the family of Mary Jane Veloso is provided for whether or not the request for a commutation or reprieve of her execution is granted by the Indonesian government, Senator Juan Edgardo “Sonny” Angara has said.

Veloso is reportedly set to be executed in Indonesia this Tuesday, April 28, for drug trafficking.

READ: Veloso execution set on April 28, say ma, lawyers | Veloso bids final farewell

While sympathizing with the Veloso family “in their time of need and desperation,” Angara urged the government to ensure that the family is provided for especially her underage children.

READ: Veloso reunites with children, parents on execution island | Veloso’s plea to Binay: Save my life, my children need me

“Perhaps the DepEd (Department Education) and Ched (Commission on Higher Education) could ensure the children’s continuing education whether or not the Indonesian government acts on the request for a commutation or reprieve,” he said in a text message Monday.

The Department of Social Welfare and Development, he said, could also include the family in its beneficiaries of Conditional Cash Transfer or “Kalahi” program and other assistance programs for poorer families.

“Going forward, of course the government should really seek to reverse its de facto labor migration policy and ensure adequate employment and livelihood opportunities for Filipinos in our own country,” Angara added.

Angara is a member of the majority bloc in the Senate and is the acting chairman of the Senate committee on labor, employment and human resources development.IDL

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