Overseas Filipino Worker (OFW) Mary Jane Veloso’s return to the Philippines symbolizes the enduring struggle of many Filipinos abroad, House Speaker Martin Romualdez said.
On Wednesday, the House Speaker commended President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s efforts to bring the OFW home. He said that this highlights Marcos’ firm commitment to protecting and upholding the rights of the OFWs, even in the most difficult times. The statement came after the President announced on early Wednesday that the Filipina is finally coming home.
Romualdez lauded Marcos for securing Veloso’s transfer from Indonesia, years after her arrest in 2010.
“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.
While Veloso’s safe return is celebrated by many, Romualdez also reminded the public of the broader problems that OFWs continue to face and called for systematic reforms to safeguard OFWs from exploitation—specifically from unscrupulous recruiters and criminal syndicates.
“As Speaker of the House of Representatives, I vow to continue working closely with our government agencies to advance policies that protect OFWs and their families, ensuring that no Filipino feels abandoned or unheard, no matter where they are,” he assured.
“To Mary Jane, welcome home. Your resilience and courage inspire us all, and we stand ready to support you as you begin anew,” he added.
Veloso was arrested in 2010 in Yogyakarta, Indonesia after authorities found drugs hidden in her luggage. She has avoided execution multiple times, as the Philippine government, her family, and advocacy groups continually fought for her release.
Before Marcos' announcement, the Indonesian media hinted at Veloso's transfer, as the Coordinating Ministry for Legal, Human Rights, Immigration, and Correction met in early November to discuss the possibility of transferring foreign inmates back to their respective countries.
