MANILA, Philippines—Malacañang confirmed that President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. is considering granting an absolute pardon to Mary Jane Veloso based on humanitarian grounds.
Veloso was arrested and sentenced to death for drug trafficking in Indonesia back in 2010. She then spent nearly 15 years in custody before being repatriated to the Philippines in December 2024.
On Wednesday morning, Bataan 2nd District Rep. Albert Garcia said during a hearing at the House of Representatives that the Office of the President was “seriously considering” granting an absolute pardon to Veloso after being repatriated in the Philippines.
In a press briefing, Palace Press Officer Claire Castro confirmed Garcia's claims, acknowledging that formal appeals—including a personal letter sent by Veloso—have reached the chief executive.
“What we will confirm is that the granting is being considered," said Castro in Filipino, noting that there is no timeline yet for when Marcos render a final decision.
