Mary Jane Veloso, a 41-year-old domestic worker and mother of two, has walked free from prison in the Philippines after receiving an absolute pardon from President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. The pardon, which the president confirmed he signed on Thursday, removes the remaining legal consequences of her conviction, effectively providing her with a fresh start after more than 15 years of incarceration.
The formal discharge process concluded on Friday when Gregorio Pio Catapang Jr., the director general of the Bureau of Corrections, personally handed Veloso a copy of the pardon and her official release papers. During a press conference held at the Bureau of Corrections, a tearful Veloso held up the document signed by Marcos and expressed her gratitude to the Philippine leader. She stated that she was thankful to the president for clearing her name and allowing her to return to her family, noting that she is eager to reunite with her two sons, who have grown nearly to adulthood during her time in prison. She remarked that while it was difficult to be separated from them, she believes it is not too late to be their guide.
Veloso’s long legal battle began in 2010 when she was arrested in Yogyakarta, Indonesia, for attempting to bring 2.6 kilograms of heroin into the country. She was subsequently sentenced to death under Indonesia’s severe anti-drug laws. In 2015, she received a last-minute reprieve from execution after Philippine officials requested that then-Indonesian President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo allow her to testify against members of a prominent drug trafficking organization. Throughout her detention, Veloso has consistently maintained her innocence, claiming she was tricked into carrying the drugs by her godsister.
Following years of persistent campaigning by her relatives and advocacy groups, Indonesia agreed to repatriate Veloso in December 2024. At the time of the agreement, Yusril Ihza Mahendra, then Indonesia’s senior minister for law and human rights affairs, noted that the Philippines had agreed to respect the Indonesian court’s sentencing. However, he also indicated that the Indonesian government would respect any decision made by the Philippines once Veloso returned to Philippine soil, including the potential for clemency. Reflecting on the conclusion of the case, Catapang stated that the development proves that second chances are possible and expressed happiness that Veloso can now enjoy her freedom with her family.
