The family of convicted Overseas Filipino Worker (OFW) Mary Jane Veloso remains steadfast in their appeal for clemency to President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. as her repatriation to the Philippines nears.
In an exclusive interview with DZRH's Damdaming Bayan on Tuesday, Celia Veloso, the mother of Mary Jane Veloso, confirmed that her daughter is scheduled to return to the Philippines tomorrow.
Alongside this, the mother reiterated her plea to the president to grant clemency to her daughter.
"Ang panawagan ko po sa ating Presidente, sana pagdating ni Mary Jane, bigay na po niya ‘yung clemency para kasama na po namin pag-uwi," said Celia Veloso.
Indonesia earlier expressed its commitment to respecting any decision made by the Philippines regarding Veloso's case after her return, including the possibility of granting clemency.
The decision to grant clemency to Veloso will rest solely on President Marcos Jr.'s determination.
Meanwhile, Celia Veloso mentioned that their family has arrived in Manila to await Mary Jane's return to the country, including her siblings, two children, and parents.
"Ang alam ko po ay 12:03 po ata ng madaling araw [ay] sasakay na po ng eroplano [si Mary Jane] papunta na po rito sa Pilipinas," said Celia Veloso.
However, the mother shared that they are still uncertain about other details, such as the flight Mary Jane will be taking, as the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) has yet to disclose the information.
"Wala pa naman pong sinasabi ang DFA sa amin kung saan nila itutuloy. Basta ang mahalaga po sa akin, nandito na po sa Pilipinas ang aking anak," she added.
Veloso's mother further mentioned that despite the threats to their lives, their family no longer feels fear, as the most important thing is that her daughter will be coming home.
Malacañang confirmed on Monday that Veloso will return to the Philippines, attributing the development to more than a decade of ongoing discussions, consultations, and diplomatic efforts between the Philippines and Indonesia.
In 2010, Indonesian authorities arrested Veloso in Yogyakarta after they found 2.6 kilograms of heroin in her suitcase. She was later sentenced to death for drug trafficking.
