Senate President Francis “Chiz” G. Escudero has urged the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) to provide full legal assistance to Filipinos jailed abroad in order to secure their freedom. 

His call follows the successful repatriation of Mary Jane Veloso from Indonesia on Wednesday, where she had been sentenced to death for drug trafficking.

Veloso spent more than 14 years in an Indonesian prison. 

Escudero said her case should serve as a “wake-up call” to focus on the plight of other Filipinos facing similar situations. He tasked the DFA with identifying Filipinos incarcerated abroad or facing legal issues.

“I hope that Mary Jane’s repatriation is only the first of many Filipinos similarly situated in various parts of the world. This (Veloso’s return) proves that PBBM (President Bongbong Marcos) and his government truly care for Filipinos who are in foreign lands and away from their families,” according to him.

The government, he added, should ensure Filipinos in distress abroad feel the protective reach of the state. 

The DFA, in coordination with the Department of Migrant Workers, should promptly investigate cases of Filipinos facing legal troubles overseas.

“They should find out the nature of the cases against them. What has been or can be done to help them regain their liberty . . . and assist them to make their detention more bearable,” said Escudero.IMT