Philippine lawmakers urge clemency for Mary Jane Veloso in drug trafficking case

A resolution has been filed in the Philippine House of Representatives urging President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to grant clemency to Mary Jane Veloso. Lawmakers believe she was a victim of illegal recruitment related to her drug trafficking conviction in Indonesia. Gabriela party-list Rep. Arlene Brosas and other advocates filed House Resolution No. 2128, highlighting the dangers faced by overseas workers. Veloso was arrested in 2010 for carrying heroin, claiming she was unaware of the drugs in her luggage. Recently, President Marcos announced that Veloso would return to the Philippines after years of diplomatic efforts. However, Justice Undersecretary Raul Vasquez noted that granting clemency could undermine the Indonesian court's decision.