📷ACT Teachers Partylist | Facebook
House Deputy Minority Leader and ACT Teachers Party-list Rep. France Castro, together with former ACT Teachers Representative Antonio Tinio, today called for the immediate and unconditional freedom of Mary Jane Veloso while emphasizing the need for fundamental changes in the government’s labor and migration policies.
“Mary Jane’s return, while welcome, is incomplete justice. She remains effectively a prisoner despite being a verified victim of human trafficking. Ang tunay na hustisya ay ang kanyang ganap na kalayaan at pagkakaroon ng marangal na kabuhayan dito sa ating bansa,” Castro declared.
[“Real justice means her complete freedom and the opportunity for a dignified life here in our country.”]
Former Rep. Tinio emphasized how Mary Jane’s case exemplifies the systemic failures that continue to endanger OFWs. “For 14 years, Mary Jane suffered the consequences of our government’s failed labor export policy. Hanggang ngayon, libu-libong Mary Jane ang napipilitang umalis ng bansa dahil sa kawalan ng trabaho at kahirapan.”
[“Until now, thousands like Mary Jane are forced to leave the country due to unemployment and poverty.”]
As propounded by Makabayan president Liza Maza, both progressive leaders agreed and highlighted the urgent need for:
- Immediate grant of absolute clemency for Mary Jane Veloso
- Strengthening of anti-trafficking measures and protection for OFWs
- Creation of decent local employment through national industrialization
- End to the labor export policy
“The Marcos Jr. administration must act decisively not just for Mary Jane but for all victims of trafficking. Kailangan ng kongkretong hakbang para wakasan ang sistemang pumipilit sa ating mga kababayan na mag-abroad at maging biktima ng trafficking,” Castro emphasized.
[“Concrete steps are needed to end the system that forces our countrymen to go abroad and become trafficking victims.”]#
