After 11 years, Mary Jane Veloso finally gives testimony vs recruiters

MANILA, Philippines – After 11 years of waiting, former overseas Filipino worker (OFW) Mary Jane Veloso testified in person for the first time on Friday, June 19, against her recruiters for human trafficking and illegal recruitment charges.

Veloso was accused of smuggling drugs in Indonesia in 2010 and was sentenced to death by firing squad in 2015, before she was granted a last-minute reprieve or temporary delay of sentence.

She was eventually repatriated to the Philippines in December 2024 and was transferred to the Correctional Institution for Women (CIW) in Mandaluyong City, where she is currently detained.

Edre Olalia, National Union of People’s Lawyers (NUPL) chairperson and Veloso’s lead counsel, shared some moments during Friday’s closed-door hearing.

“The direct examination, cross-examination, and redirect examination were completed…. There was no redirect examination from [the] defense. And then, this is the first time that Mary Jane was able to personally testify,” he told Rappler.

He mentioned that Veloso’s recruiters, Cristina Sergio and her accomplice Julius Lacanilao, were present online as they are currently detained in different locations after being found guilty of illegal recruitment in a separate case in 2020.

According to Veloso, her recruiters were the ones who gave her the suitcase she used for her supposed trip to work in Indonesia in 2010, where authorities eventually found 2.6 kilograms of heroin sewn within the bag.

“The accused were present through a video conference because [Sergio] is detained in Iwahig Penal colony in Palawan. [Lacanilao] was detained at the Bilibid Prison, by virtue of a conviction, on a separate case for illegal recruitment,” Olalia added.

While he cannot give any new information about Veloso’s testimony, Olalia said that she looked relieved after she testified.

“After all, she waited 16 years to give her testimony, and 11 years since the case was filed here in the Philippines. And almost two years since she was transferred here last December 2024. So, she was visibly relieved…. Napapanaag ko naman sa mukha niya na parang nakahinga nang maluwag kasi matagal na niyang gustong ilabas ang kuwento niya,” Olalia said.

(I could see in her face that she breathed a sigh of relief because she had wanted to air her story for so long already.)

Rally of support

Just outside the CIW on the same day, migrant group Migrante International held a protest in support of Veloso’s testimony, along with her parents, Celia and Cesar.

“Malaki ‘yung tulong niya (It is a great help),” Cesar told reporters about the impact of Veloso’s testimony on her case.

“Sana, dapat noon pa. Hinihintay na nung anak ko ’yan e, kasi wala siyang kasalanan. Kaya ang gusto niya, maisabi niya lahat-lahat na siya ay inosente, na-frame up lang siya, wala talaga siyang kasalanan,” he added.

(I hoped it happened sooner because my daughter had been waiting for it. She wanted to be able to tell that she is innocent, that she was just framed, that she is not guilty.)

For Migrante International chairperson Joanna Concepcion, this “historical day” is also important for all migrant workers who continue to struggle from similar cases as Veloso’s, as well as violence and abuse from their employers.

“Ang testimonya ni Mary Jane ay magbibigay-lakas ng loob at inspirasyon sa lahat ng ating mga OFW migranteng manggagawa na patuloy na lumalaban,” she said.

(Mary Jane’s testimony will give courage and inspiration to all our OFW migrant workers who continue to fight.)

Pleas for Veloso’s freedom

On behalf of Veloso, the NUPL submitted to the Supreme Court in May a motion to resolve their pending petition for a writ of habeas corpus — which challenges the legality of a person’s imprisonment — that they filed in November 2025.

They argued that her detention is unconstitutional because she has no existing “charge, conviction, or commitment order from any Philippine court.”

According to Olalia, the court’s actions as of April 30 have been limited to requesting the payment of legal fees and the submission of a properly verified petition.

Veloso’s family and supporters also continue their pleas to President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. for clemency by way of an absolute pardon. Her parents have yet to hear from Malacañang.

“Sana, itong pangyayari na ito, sana mapakinggan niya (Marcos) at maibigay na ang clemency sa aming anak at makapiling na namin siya,” Cesar said.

(I hope, with this incident, that he will finally listen and grant clemency to our daughter so we can finally be with her.) – Rappler.com