The Kilusang Magbubukid ng Pilipinas (KMP) is renewing calls for clemency for Mary Jane Veloso, a victim of human trafficking and economic neglect. Veloso has returned to the Philippines after spending the last 14 years in Indonesia’s death row. KMP blames the country’s chronic unemployment and poverty as the root causes of Veloso’s plight, which mirrors the hardships of millions of migrant Filipino workers.

Mary Jane Veloso was nearly executed in 2015 after being convicted of drug trafficking in Indonesia. She was promised a job as a domestic worker by her recruiter, Maria Kristina Sergio, who reportedly provided the luggage in which illegal drugs were found. Veloso’s execution was stayed following public outcry and Sergio’s arrest in the Philippines.

“The government’s failure to create decent jobs at home pushes Filipinos to migrate abroad, where they face exploitation and danger,” said KMP leader Danilo Ramos who is also a Makabayan senatorial candidate. “Mary Jane Veloso’s case is a stark reminder of the vulnerabilities faced by our overseas workers, especially women who often become victims of trafficking and abuse.”

The PSA recorded a 3.9% unemployment rate as of October 2024, with 1.97 million jobless workers. Underemployment, rural poverty, and the absence of genuine agrarian reform continue to drive Filipinos to seek jobs overseas. In 2023, 2.16 million Filipinos worked abroad, 55.6% of whom were women, many in domestic work and low-wage occupations that expose them to exploitation.

KMP criticized the Marcos Jr. administration for failing to address these systemic issues and called for urgent reforms. “It is the duty of the State to address the economic conditions that force Filipinos to migrate. Genuine agrarian reform, rural development, and job creation should be national priorities,” Ramos added.

Veloso’s case has garnered widespread sympathy and advocacy from various sectors, with activists holding vigils and protests to demand her release. “The Marcos administration must demonstrate political will by granting clemency for Mary Jane and ensuring justice for her and her family.

“Promising jobs abroad, many poor women are tricked into being victims of trafficking in persons,” Ramos added. “Mary Jane’s story is not unique. It is the government’s duty to ensure that no more Filipino women suffer the same fate.

Mary Jane’s life is in the hands of the Marcos administration. We must the PH government accountable not only for her case but also for creating a future where no Filipino will need to risk their lives abroad to survive,” the peasant leader added.

KMP urges the broad public to join the campaign for Veloso’s clemency and support measures addressing unemployment, rural poverty, and human trafficking.

The peasant group is urging the public to rally behind Veloso and demand accountability from the government. “Her life is a symbol of the struggles faced by every Filipino forced into migration. Her fight is our fight,” Ramos concluded. ###