(POLITIKO) Senate President Pro Tempore Jinggoy Estrada has lauded the diplomatic efforts of the Philippine government to save death row convict Mary Jane Veloso and bring her home from Indonesia.
“I commend the ongoing efforts of Malacañang to facilitate the return of Mary Jane Veloso to our country,” Estrada said on Wednesday (Nov. 20).
“This initiative reflects the administration’s commitment to safeguarding the welfare and dignity of every Filipino, particularly those who find themselves in challenging circumstances abroad,” he added.
Estrada said Veloso was a victim of a trafficking syndicate who duped her into carrying a suitcase that contained 2.6 kilograms of heroin.
“Mary Jane is a victim of circumstance, having been deceived by unscrupulous individuals who exploited her vulnerability and unwittingly used her as a courier in their illegal schemes,” Estrada said.
“Her situation highlights the urgent need to protect overseas workers from similar predicaments and to strengthen mechanisms against human trafficking and illegal recruitment,” he added.
Estrada urged the Department of Justice to revisit Veloso’s case and work to give her clemency or commutation of sentence.
“Her case deserves a thorough review. I urge the Department of Justice to consider her status as a victim of human trafficking and involvement in drug syndicates,” Estrada said.
“They should explore options for clemency or commutation of her sentence, recognizing her as a victim rather than a criminal,” he added.