SC asked to resolve cases vs Veloso’s recruiters .

MANILA, Philippines —  The family and supporters of Mary Jane Veloso, who was convicted in Indonesia for drug trafficking in 2010, have asked the Supreme Court (SC) to expedite the resolution of the cases filed against her alleged recruiters.

In a letter to Court Administrator Ma. Theresa Dolores Gomez-Estoesta, Veloso’s counsel urged the SC to decide on the motion to proceed with the hearing at the Correctional Institution for Women (CIW) in Mandaluyong, where Veloso is detained.

The cases involve human trafficking, estafa and violation of Republic Act 8042 or the Migrant Workers and Overseas Filipinos Act, which are pending before the Sto. Domingo Regional Trial Court (RTC) Branch 89 in Nueva Ecija.

The National Union of Peoples’ Lawyers (NUPL) cited humanitarian reasons in asking the high tribunal for a prompt and favorable action that will advance the interests of justice and provide relief to Veloso and her family.

Veloso’s mother, Celia, urged the SC to act on their petition and put an end to the problem so her daughter can go home.

Veloso returned to the Philippines in 2024 after 14 years in prison in Indonesia. Of those years, she spent nine on death row for a drug trafficking conviction.

She was arrested in 2010 after 2.6 kilos of heroin were found hidden in her suitcase, which she claimed were placed by her recruiters.

The Indonesian government allowed her transfer to the Philippines, where she is serving her remaining prison term