PRESIDENT Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to grant clemency to Mary Jane Veloso, has been filed in the House of Representatives.

In filing House Resolution 2128, Gabriela Women’s Party-list called for immediate action on Veloso’s case

Also the resolution condemned the the government’s continued labor export policy that victimizes Filipino women.

“Mary Jane Veloso’s case starkly illustrates how the government’s labor export policy continues to endanger Filipino women. Desperately seeking work abroad due to the lack of decent jobs at home, our women become vulnerable to trafficking syndicates and exploitation. Hindi dapat ginagawang kalakal ang ating mga kababayan!” Gabriela Rep. Arlene Brosas, said.

The resolution is demanding systemic changes to prevent similar tragedies.

“How long will the government continue sending our people abroad to face risks and dangers? President Marcos Jr. must urgently grant clemency to Mary Jane and prioritize policies that promote genuine national industrialization and agricultural development to create decent jobs in the country,” Brosas emphasized.

The lawmaker pointed out that Veloso’s case represents thousands of Filipino women forced to seek work abroad due to the lack of local employment opportunities.

“The Marcos Jr. administration must abandon this bankrupt labor export program. Kailangan nating wakasan ang sistemang nagtuturing sa ating mga manggagawa bilang cheap labor para sa ibang bansa,” she said.

Gabriela Women’s Party vowed to continue fighting for Veloso’s freedom while pushing for fundamental changes in government economic policies to protect Filipino women workers.

Veloso has been incarcerated because of her alleged involvement in drug trade wherein she was tagged as drug courier.

“Mary Jane deserves justice, and all Filipino women deserve the right to decent work in their own country. The labor export policy must end and be replaced with genuine industrialization,” Brosas said.

AUTHOR PROFILE

Jester P. Manalastas