Lawmakers Urged: Keep Working for Veloso’s Appeal
By RG Cruz, ABS-CBN News
Posted at 06/10/2015 1:20 PM
MANILA – The sister of convicted Filipina drug mule Mary Jane Veloso has made an emotional appeal to lawmakers to continue supporting Veloso, as well as other OFWs on the death row in other countries.
Marites Veloso Laurente was with her parents and lawyer Edre Olalia when they faced the Committee on Overseas Filipino Workers Affairs which is investigating, among other cases, the plight of Mary Jane.
Laurente tearfully told lawmakers how her family appreciates the assistance, even as she appealed for other Filipinos on death row overseas.
“Napakasakit na inaantay mo ang bangkay ng kapatid mo,” she said.
Laurente reiterated how her sister suffered for five years even if she was innocent.
Foreign Affairs Undersecretary for Migrant Workers Affairs Jesus Yabes responded that the government continues its efforts to save Mary Jane.
Veloso’s execution in April was given a temporary reprieve, pending probe into the alleged illegal drugs trade which she unwittingly became part of.
Women’s partylist group Gabriela called anew for the Department of Justice to resolve the human trafficking cases filed against Kristina “Tin-tin” Sergio and her partner, Julius Lacanilao, identified to have recruited Veloso.
Gabriela Rep. Luzviminda Ilagan explained that the DOJ prosecutors have a prescribed 60-day deadline. The case was submitted for resolution on June 1.
“We hope that the DOJ will not wait long. This is a high profile case. More importantly, Mary Jane’s case is a test that will show the government’s resolve in saving Mary Jane’s life as well as the government’s capabilities in addressing and in giving assistance to other OFWs in death row,” Ilagan said.
Gabriela Rep. Emmi De Jesus meanwhile prodded the Department of Foreign Affairs on the assistance being provided to OFWs in jails and death rows.
There are at least 88 other OFWs languishing in death rows all over the world.