President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. announced on Sept. 25, 2026, that he had signed an absolute pardon for Mary Jane Veloso, according to reports from Philippine News Agency. The executive clemency document was signed on Sept. 24, 2026, during the president’s visit to Eastern Samar, as noted by Davao Today. Malacañang had earlier stated that the administration was evaluating the case on humanitarian grounds, leading to the presidential decision that restored her civil and political rights and removed legal barriers to her freedom.
President Marcos Grants Absolute Pardon
Veloso walked free on Sept. 25, 2026, concluding a legal battle spanning approximately 16 years. Following her release from the Correctional Institution for Women in Mandaluyong City, Veloso and her family attended Mass at the Siena College Chapel in Quezon City on Saturday morning, September 26, 2026, before traveling to her home province, as reported by Rappler.
Arrest, Conviction, and Repatriation Timeline
Veloso’s ordeal began in 2010 when she was arrested in Yogyakarta, Indonesia, after authorities discovered 2.6 kilograms of heroin in her luggage. She was subsequently convicted of drug trafficking and sentenced to death by an Indonesian court that same year. Throughout her detention, Veloso maintained her innocence, stating that she was a victim of human trafficking who was tricked by recruiters into carrying the suitcase without her knowledge.
She faced execution in April 2015, but received a last-minute reprieve after the Philippine government requested a delay to allow her to testify against her alleged recruiters. She was repatriated on Dec. 18, 2024, and initially detained at the Correctional Institution for Women under the custody of the Bureau of Corrections while her clemency options were reviewed.
Emotional Homecoming to Nueva Ecija
Born in Cabanatuan City and later living in Talavera, Veloso finally returned to her home province of Nueva Ecija on Saturday afternoon, September 26, 2026, arriving in the town of General Mamerto Natividad to a surprise celebration. During a press conference after her Saturday morning Mass, Veloso expressed gratitude, stating that her freedom was a blessing from God. She also performed the song Maghintay Ka Lamang
alongside her family and recited a poem titled Pilipino Ako, Pilipino Ang Wika Ko,
which she prepared with fellow persons deprived of liberty at the Manila facility.
The homecoming marked a joyful reunion with her two sons, Mark Daniel Candelaria and Mark Darren Candelaria, who were aged 12 and 6 when they dedicated a song to her days before her scheduled 2015 execution, and are now 23 and 17 years old. Local officials, including Nueva Ecija Governor Umali, welcomed the absolute pardon, expressing hope that the moment would allow Veloso and her family to rebuild their lives after years of separation and uncertainty.
Reactions and Calls to Protect Migrant Workers
The National Union of Peoples’ Lawyers, represented by Edre Olalia, issued a statement celebrating the resolution as a victory for justice, noting that Veloso remained resilient despite coming close to execution. Makabayan President Liza Maza similarly welcomed the pardon, asserting that trafficked persons are victims who should be protected rather than penalized for acts committed under the orders of traffickers.
Senator Francis Pangilinan stated that the absolute pardon offers Veloso and her family an opportunity to rebuild their lives, while stressing the ongoing necessity to hold illegal recruiters, human traffickers, and drug syndicates accountable.