MANILA – Malacañang announced on Tuesday that no final decision has been made regarding a potential pardon for overseas Filipino worker (OFW) Mary Jane Veloso, who is set to return to the Philippines after more than a decade in an Indonesian prison.
Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin emphasized that the government’s primary focus is on facilitating her immediate repatriation.
“Nothing to say yet on what may happen. The priority of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. is to have Veloso repatriated without delay,” said Bersamin to reporters.
Background
Veloso was arrested in 2010 when 2.6 kg of heroin was found in a suitcase she was carrying. She has consistently claimed her innocence, asserting that she was an unwitting drug mule for a Philippine employment recruiter.
In April 2015, she received a last-minute reprieve after the Philippine government informed Indonesia that her recruiters had surrendered.
Recent Developments
Last month, President Marcos revealed that Indonesia had agreed to repatriate Veloso. Malacañang confirmed on Monday evening that her return to the country is imminent, although the specific terms of her return remain undisclosed.
The situation continues to evolve, and further updates are expected as her repatriation progresses.