Philippine president pardons drug convict Mary Jane Veloso

In December 2024, Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr granted clemency to Mary Jane Veloso, who had spent nearly 15 years in an Indonesian prison following a drug trafficking conviction in 2010. Veloso, a mother of two and former domestic helper, was arrested in Yogyakarta after Indonesian authorities discovered 2.6 kg of heroin hidden in a suitcase. She claimed to be an unwitting drug mule, but was nonetheless sentenced to death.

Negotiations between Manila and Jakarta ensued over several years, culminating in Veloso's return to the Philippines in December 2024. The transfer agreement stipulated that the Philippine government would uphold the court's sentencing and Veloso's status as a prisoner. Indonesian officials noted that their final decision on granting clemency would rest with Marcos Jr.

Upon her arrival, Marcos Jr publicly pardoned Veloso, sparing her from the death penalty. Veloso expressed gratitude for the opportunity to return home and serve her sentence in the Philippines.