Mary Jane Veloso, a Filipina who was on death row in Indonesia and was nearly executed by firing squad in 2015, makes a heart sign during a press conference before her repatriation to the Philippines, at Soekarno-Hatta International Airport in Tangerang, Indonesia, Tuesday, Dec. 17, 2024. Associated Press
MANILA, Philippines — The return of Mary Jane Veloso to the country is a testament that the government will do its best in protecting overseas Filipino workers (OFWs), House of Representatives Speaker Ferdinand Martin Romualdez said on Wednesday.
In a statement after Veloso arrived at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (Naia) in Pasay City, Romualdez said the OFW’s return gives inspiration and hope to many Filipinos facing different hardships.
“Today, we open our hearts and arms as we welcome back Mary Jane Veloso to the Philippines. After enduring a harrowing 14 years in an Indonesian prison, her return is a profound relief and a source of immense joy, not only to her family but to all Filipinos who have followed her ordeal with heavy hearts,” said Romualdez.
READ: Mary Jane Veloso returns home after 14 years
“Kay Mary Jane, ang iyong pagbabalik ay nagbibigay inspirasyon at pag-asa sa ating lahat. Maligayang pagbabalik sa ating bayan at sa piling ng iyong mga minamahal,” Romualdez said. “Sa ating mga OFW saan mang sulok ng mundo, ipinapaalala ng araw na ito ang ating patuloy na pagsisikap na kayo’y protektahan at suportahan. Ang inyong mga sakripisyo ay kinikilala at pinahahalagahan ng buong bayan.”
(To Mary Jane, your return gives inspiration and hope to all of us. Welcome back to our country and to the arms of your loved ones. For our OFWs in whatever part of the world, this day is a reminder of our continuous effort and aspiration to protect and support you. Your sacrifices are acknowledged and treasured by the entire nation.)
According to Romualdez, Veloso’s story is a clear reminder of the dangers that OFWs go through as they aspire for better lives for their families.
“Ang kwento ni Mary Jane ay isang malinaw na paalala sa atin ng mga panganib at sakripisyong kinakaharap ng ating mga kababayang nagtatrabaho sa ibang bansa. Ang kanilang pagtitiis ay sumisimbolo sa kanilang malalim na pagmamahal at pag-aalay para sa kanilang mga mahal sa buhay,” he said.
(The story of Mary Jane is a clear reminder to us of the dangers and sacrifices faced by our fellow Filipinos working abroad. Their sacrifice and patience symbolize their deep love for their relatives and loved ones.)
Earlier, the Bureau of Corrections confirmed that Veloso had returned to the Philippines, with the aircraft carrying her landing at Naia around 5:40 a.m.
On April 25, 2010, Veloso was arrested at the Adisucipto International Airport in Yogyakarta, Indonesia, after she was caught in possession of more than 2.6 kilograms of heroin.
Veloso claimed that she had no idea that the illegal substance was stashed in her luggage. Despite this, she was convicted of drug trafficking and sentenced to death.
Veloso came close several times to being executed, but former president Benigno Aquino III and his officials intervened, noting that the convicted individual could be used as a witness to go after drug syndicates.
A breakthrough happened recently when President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. announced that the Philippine and Indonesian governments had agreed to bring Veloso back to Manila after 10 years of diplomacy and consultation.
READ: 14 years on death row: Timeline of Mary Jane Veloso’s fight for justice
Romualdez said Marcos’ efforts to strengthen diplomatic ties were a big factor in Veloso’s transfer to the Philippines.
“This long-awaited homecoming was made possible through the determined diplomatic efforts championed by President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., reflecting his unwavering resolve to protect our kababayans wherever they are. Under his leadership, our government has reinforced its commitment to the rights and welfare of our OFWs,” Romualdez said.
“We’ve strengthened our diplomatic ties and created more robust support systems, ensuring that the dignity and safety of our workers are upheld globally,” he added.
Other House lawmakers have also lauded Veloso’s return: according to OFW party-list Rep. Marissa Magsino, the overseas worker’s return to the Philippines is a symbol of hope, love, and unity.
“Sa wakas, makakauwi na si Mary Jane Veloso sa kanyang pamilya matapos ang mahabang taon ng pagdurusa at paghihintay. Ang kanyang pag-uwi ay simbolo ng pag-asa, pagmamahal, at pagkakaisa – mga diwa ng Pasko na nagbibigay liwanag sa bawat Pilipino,” Magsino said.
(Finally, Mary Jane Veloso has returned home to her family after many years of suffering and waiting. Her return is a symbol of hope, love, and unity — values of Christmas that give light to each Filipino.)
“Salamat sa lahat ng nagpakita ng malasakit at tumulong upang maisakatuparan ang pagbabalik ni Mary Jane, mula sa gobyerno, kay Pangulong Marcos, mga organisasyon, at sa lahat ng Pilipinong hindi bumitaw sa laban na ito,” she added.
(Thank you to all who have shown empathy and those who have helped to accomplish Mary Jane’s return — from the government, to President Marcos, organizations, and Filipinos who did not stop fighting for her.)