On BuCor’s reformation and livelihood projects for women PDLs like Mary Jane Veloso
We welcome BuCor’s initiative to improve the conditions of persons deprived of liberty (PDLs) through livelihood programs, such as Project ARTE, and their recognition of Mary Jane Veloso’s skills and potential to contribute to such efforts.
January 23, 2025
NUPL
The National Union of Peoples’ Lawyers is a nationwide voluntary association of human rights lawyers in the Philippines, committed to the defense, protection, and promotion of human rights, especially of the poor and the oppressed.

We welcome BuCor’s initiative to improve the conditions of persons deprived of liberty (PDLs) through livelihood programs, such as Project ARTE, and their recognition of Mary Jane Veloso’s skills and potential to contribute to such efforts. It is a testament to Mary Jane’s resilience and her desire to remain productive, even under such difficult circumstances.

However, while we appreciate efforts to empower PDLs, the ultimate empowerment for Mary Jane lies in her freedom. Mary Jane has already suffered immeasurably for almost 15 years. Her story is one of betrayal and survival, and it should compel us to act with urgency and compassion.

The question is not whether Mary Jane will stay long at the Correctional Institution for Women (CIW) or whether she will contribute to these livelihood programs; it is whether justice will finally prevail for her.

We remain hopeful that President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. will heed the calls for absolute pardon and release Mary Jane. As her counsel, we reiterate our appeal to the President: grant her the absolute pardon she so richly deserves.

Mary Jane’s involvement in programs like Batik weaving can take on an even greater meaning if she is allowed to teach and inspire others as a free woman, using her story to help prevent other victims of trafficking from suffering the same fate. Her freedom will be a victory not just for her, but for all victims of human trafficking who continue to fight for justice.

We call on the public to remain vigilant and to continue to advocate for Mary Jane’s freedom. #

Reference:

Atty. Josalee Deinla
NUPL Secretary General
+639174316396

Read more

We Will Not Fall for the Lies: On the Toboso Killings and the Military’s Pattern of IHL Violations

We Will Not Fall for the Lies: On the Toboso Killings and the Military’s Pattern of IHL Violations

We call for a truly independent investigation into the April 19 killings in Toboso with full and unimpeded access for humanitarian workers, independent human rights experts, and the families of the dead. We call for accountability — not just for those who pulled the trigger, but for those who ordered, tolerated, and concealed the killings. We call on the international community to monitor this case closely, as it is not an isolated incident but part of a continuing pattern of IHL violations across the Philippine countryside.

Share This