House of Representatives Speaker Ferdinand Martin Romualdez on Wednesday expressed his immense gratitude to President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. for successfully orchestrating a diplomatic effort that secured the return of Mary Jane Veloso.
Mary Jane Veloso, a Filipino migrant worker, was arrested in 2010 after authorities discovered illegal drugs in her luggage. She was unaware that drugs had been planted in her belongings.
In the early hours of Wednesday, Marcos announced that Veloso would be returning to the Philippines. This move underscored the Philippine government’s strong commitment to protecting its citizens abroad.
“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.
“His determination to engage in meaningful diplomacy reflects the government’s priority to put our people’s welfare above all else,” he added.
Romualdez emphasized that Veloso’s release offers hope for the country and highlights the challenges many Filipinos face in their efforts to support their families overseas.
“The return of Mary Jane Veloso to the Philippines is 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.
Veloso narrowly avoided execution multiple times, thanks to the Philippine government’s tireless negotiations to halt her execution.
Romualdez also extended his gratitude to the Indonesian government for its gesture of kindness.
“I also express my gratitude to the Indonesian government, particularly President Prabowo Subianto, for their goodwill and understanding,” he said.
“This act of compassion strengthens the bonds of friendship between our two nations, built on mutual respect and shared values of justice and humanity,” the House speaker added.
The Indonesian government heeded President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s appeal to allow Veloso to serve her sentence in the Philippines instead of facing execution.