PBBM thanks Middle East for clemency for 600 Filipinos, Mary Jane Veloso still in jail

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. expressed gratitude to Middle Eastern nations for granting clemency to over 600 Filipinos, yet a former OFW, Mary Jane Veloso, remains incarcerated in the Philippines after 15 years without similar reprieve.

During his fourth State of the Nation Address, Marcos highlighted the clemency granted to 600 Filipino convicts due to the Philippines' diplomatic efforts with host countries.

The President specifically thanked the Sultanate of Oman, the United Arab Emirates, the State of Qatar, the Kingdom of Bahrain, and the State of Kuwait for their 'sovereign interventions' and kindness towards Filipino citizens.

Despite celebrating these pardons, the article points out that Marcos seemingly overlooks Mary Jane Veloso's prolonged detention, a case that has spanned multiple administrations.

Veloso, who has been in the Correctional Institution for Women for seven months following her transfer from Indonesia, could potentially be granted clemency by President Marcos.

Indonesia reportedly did not impose any conditions on Veloso's transfer to the Philippines, suggesting the President has the authority to alter her situation.