House Speaker Martin Romualdez (Facebook)

Speaker Martin Romualdez led his fellow House members in welcoming the news of overseas Filipino worker (OFW) Mary Jane Veloso's impending return to the country after enduring 14 years on Indonesia’s death row.

“The return of Mary Jane Veloso to the Philippines is a triumph of hope, diplomacy, and justice," Romualdez said on Wednesday, Nov. 20.

"Her case symbolizes the enduring struggle of many Filipinos abroad who are driven by the desire to uplift their families, only to face extraordinary challenges,” the Speaker said.

Romualdez, leader of the 300-plus strong House of Representatives, commended President Marcos for his "resolute leadership and compassionate heart in bringing Mary Jane home".

"This achievement highlights the President’s firm commitment to protecting and upholding the rights of our overseas Filipino workers, even in the most difficult of circumstances,” said the Lakas-Christian Muslim Democrats (Lakas-CMD) president and Leyte 1st district congressman. 

“His determination to engage in meaningful diplomacy reflects the government’s priority to put our people’s welfare above all else,” Romualdez added of the Chief Executive.

Arrested in 2010 after unknowingly carrying illegal rugs hidden in her luggage, Veloso narrowly avoided execution multiple times as the Philippine government and advocacy groups fought for her freedom. 

While celebrating Veloso’s eventual return, Romualdez turned his attention to the broader challenges OFWs faced and called for systemic reforms to safeguard them from exploitation by unscrupulous recruiters and criminal syndicates. 

“As Speaker of the House of Representatives, I vow to continue working closely with our government agencies to advance policies that protect OFWs and their families, ensuring that no Filipino feels abandoned or unheard, no matter where they are,” the Speaker said.

Step up fight vs. trafficking 

Both majority and minority solons welcomed this positive development in the Veloso case.

From the majority, Kabayan Party-list Rep. Ron Salo commended the Philippine government successfully negotiating for Veloso's return to the Philippines.  

"I also thank the Indonesian government for their compassion and goodwill, which gives Mary Jane’s family the opportunity to see her more often and spend valuable time together," Salo said.

"Mary Jane’s case serves as a stark reminder of the risks OFWs face, calling for stronger safeguards against trafficking and exploitation. We must work tirelessly to prevent similar situations from happening to other fellow Filipinos," said the Kabayan lawmaker.

Tingog Party-list Rep. Jude Acidre, chairman of the House Committee on Overseas Workers Affairs, said: "I extend my heartfelt gratitude to President Prabowo Subianto and the Indonesian government for their goodwill, which underscores the strong partnership between our nations, founded on justice, compassion, and mutual respect."

"Mary Jane’s story embodies the struggles faced by countless overseas Filipino workers who are vulnerable to exploitation in their pursuit of a better life," Acidre said.

Meanwhile, Assistant Minority Leader Gabriela Party-list Rep. Arlene Brosas described Veloso's release from Indonesia's death row as a "hard-won victory of the persistent campaign of her family, women's rights advocates and migrant groups".

"For 14 years, we have asserted that Mary Jane is a victim, not a criminal. She is a victim of human trafficking and the government's labor export policy that continues to push Filipino women to work abroad despite the risks," Brosas said.

Another member of the minority, OFW Party-list Rep. Marissa "Del Mar" Magsino, said concurred that the campaign against human trafficking must be stepped up moving forward in order to avoid a repeat of Veloso’s tragic story.

"Si Mary Jane ay simbolo ng maraming Pilipino na naging biktima ng human trafficking at ilegal na gawain, ngunit nananatiling matatag sa paghahanap ng katarungan at pag-asa," she said.

(Mary Jane is the symbol of many Filipinos who are victims of human trafficking and illegal activities, but remain resilient in the search for justice and hope.)

"Ang kanyang pag-uwi at pagbabalik sa Pilipinas ay nagbibigay ng daan at pag-asa para sa bagong kabanata sa kanyang buhay," Magsino said.

(Her homecoming in the Philippines gives a pathway and hope for the new chapter in her life.)