Veloso’s mom in disbelief after Marcos’ absolute pardon

CABANATUAN CITY – Mary Jane Veloso’s mother, better known as “Aling Celia,” had to be convinced by human rights lawyer Edre Olalia that her daughter might finally be free after President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. signed documents granting her absolute pardon on Friday.

“Ako man eh hindi ko mapaniwalaan nung tumawag si Atty. Edre dun pa lang ako ano… (I couldn’t believe the reports until Attorney Edre called, and that was the only time I was convinced),” Celia said. 

Former Nueva Ecija 3rd District Rep. Ria Vergara said she was happy about Marcos Jr.’s decision to pardon Veloso. On various occasions, Vergara appealed for mercy and the opportunity for Veloso to have a fresh start. 

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READ: Marcos grants Mary Jane Veloso absolute pardon

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Veloso is a resident of Barangay Caudillo in Cabanatuan City, within the province’s 3rd congressional district. 

She was the domestic helper caught with drugs in her luggage at an airport in Indonesia in 2010. She was subsequently convicted and sentenced to death despite her insistence that she was duped into carrying the contraband. 

Her execution was reprieved at the intercession of the late President Benigno Aquino III, when Veloso’s testimony became essential in the Philippine trial of her recruiters. 

She was extradited to the Philippines in 2024 to serve her remaining jail term after negotiations undertaken by President Marcos./coa