Bagong Henerasyon Party-list Rep. Bernadette Herrera (left), Mary Jane Veloso (Facebook, MANILA BULLETIN)

Bagong Henerasyon Party-list Rep. Bernadette Herrera can't help but praise Mary Jane Veloso--a fellow single parent--for her resilience, strength, and sacrifices, especially after her harrowing experience on death row in Indonesia.

Herrera said Veloso, a single mother to two sons, endured immense hardships abroad in her pursuit of a better life for her children, including an attempted rape by her employer in Dubai and her subsequent ordeal in Indonesia.

“Mary Jane Veloso’s story is not just her own—it’s the story of countless Filipino solo parents who go to unimaginable lengths to secure their children’s future,” Herrera said in a statement Thursday, Dec. 26.

“Her courage and determination, despite her trials, remind us of the vital need to provide more robust support for solo parents, especially those working abroad,” added the deputy minority leader. 

Veloso left for Dubai in 2009 to work as a household service worker. Like many Filipino solo parents, she sought opportunities abroad to provide for her family. 

However, she returned to the Philippines before completing her contract due to an attempted sexual assault by her employer. 

In her subsequent attempt to seek work abroad in 2010, Veloso fell victim to drug traffickers, leading to her imprisonment in Indonesia. She was eventually spared from death and after 14 years was repatriated earlier this month thanks to the efforts of the Marcos administration. 

Herrera emphasized that Veloso’s experiences highlight the vulnerabilities of solo parents working overseas, particularly those who face exploitation, abuse, or trafficking. 

The veteran congresswoman highlighted the need for stronger support systems for OFWs, particularly solo parents, who are often vulnerable to abuse and exploitation. 

She urged the government to ensure access to legal aid, mental health services, and alternative livelihood opportunities to prevent similar tragedies. 

The seasoned lawmaker also called for improved enforcement of the Expanded Solo Parents Welfare Act, ensuring that single parents working abroad and their children receive adequate support.

“Mary Jane’s resilience reminds us of the urgent need to protect solo parents and create a society where they no longer have to endure such risks to provide for their families,” Herrera stressed.