Why Mary Jane Veloso Remains in Philippine Prison Despite Indonesia Granting Release?

The case of Mary Jane Veloso, a former death row inmate convicted of heroin smuggling in 2010, has garnered international attention once again as she continues to be held in a Philippine prison. Despite being repatriated from Indonesia in December of the previous year, Veloso remains behind bars. Her case has highlighted issues related to labour migration, human trafficking, and the strict drug laws in Southeast Asia, sparking debates on how the Philippines safeguards its citizens abroad. The National Union of People’s Lawyers (NUPL) recently announced the filing of a petition for the writ of habeas corpus on behalf of Veloso, emphasizing the need for justice in her case. Veloso’s story symbolizes the challenges and inconsistencies within legal and political systems. In 2010, Veloso, then 25 years old, was arrested at a Yogyakarta airport for carrying 2.6kg of heroin in her luggage. She was subsequently sentenced to death, despite maintaining her innocence and claiming she was deceived by recruiters who offered her a job as a domestic helper abroad. Advocates have argued that Veloso was a victim of human trafficking, further complicating her case and raising questions about the protection of overseas Filipino workers.