Photo credit: Martin Romualdez

It’s official—Mary Jane Veloso is finally coming home after spending 14 years in Indonesia’s death row. Speaker Ferdinand Martin G. Romualdez couldn’t be prouder of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. for pulling off what seemed like an impossible mission: securing Veloso’s release through persistent diplomacy.

In a statement released Wednesday, Speaker Romualdez expressed his deep gratitude to the President for his unwavering commitment to protecting overseas Filipino workers (OFWs). He described Veloso’s return as “a triumph of hope, diplomacy, and justice” and a testament to the government’s resolve to safeguard Filipinos wherever they are.

“This is not just about bringing Mary Jane home; it’s about reaffirming our government’s commitment to protecting the rights of every Filipino abroad, no matter the odds,” Romualdez shared.

The Long Road Home

Mary Jane Veloso’s story is one for the books. Arrested in 2010 for unknowingly transporting drugs hidden in her luggage, she came terrifyingly close to execution multiple times. But thanks to relentless efforts by the Philippine government, advocacy groups, and her family, Veloso’s life was spared.

President Marcos, during the 42nd ASEAN Summit in Indonesia earlier this year, personally pushed for Veloso’s release. After months of quiet negotiations, his efforts paid off, leading to the announcement early Wednesday morning that Veloso would soon reunite with her family in Nueva Ecija.

For Speaker Romualdez, this milestone is a reflection of the President’s compassionate and hands-on approach to leadership. “President Marcos has shown that he will go the extra mile to protect our kababayans. His commitment to meaningful diplomacy has turned what seemed like an impossible dream into reality,” Romualdez said.

He also took a moment to thank the Indonesian government for its “gesture of goodwill,” which he said strengthens the friendship between the two nations.

A Call to Action for OFWs

While celebrating Veloso’s homecoming, Speaker Romualdez also sounded a call to action: It’s time to ensure that no other Filipino endures what Veloso went through.

“As Speaker, I am committed to working with our government agencies to strengthen protections for OFWs. We need to end the exploitation of our kababayans by unscrupulous recruiters and criminal syndicates,” Romualdez declared.

Mary Jane Veloso’s case, he added, is a stark reminder of the struggles OFWs face while trying to provide for their families. “Her courage and resilience inspire us all. But her story also underscores the need for systemic reforms to ensure that our OFWs are never abandoned or unheard.”

A Warm Welcome Home

To Mary Jane, Speaker Romualdez had this heartfelt message: “Welcome home. Your bravery has moved a nation, and we stand with you as you begin this new chapter of your life.”

For the countless other Filipinos working abroad, Veloso’s return is a beacon of hope. And for the Philippine government, it’s a challenge to do more to protect the people who make tremendous sacrifices for their families and the nation.