MARY Jane Veloso was released from the Correctional Institution for Women (CIW) after President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. granted her an absolute pardon, the Bureau of Corrections (BuCor) said.
BuCor Director General Gregorio Pio P. Catapang Jr. personally handed Veloso a copy of the absolute pardon and her official release order, completing the procedures for her discharge from custody.
‘This only proves that there are really second chances, and we are happy that Veloso can now enjoy her newfound freedom with her family,’ Catapang said.
The absolute pardon removes the remaining legal consequences of Veloso’s conviction and clears the way for her return to her family and community.
According to Catapang, Veloso will be endorsed to the local government unit of her residence in Nueva Ecija as part of the government’s reintegration process.
Through the LGU, she may receive livelihood assistance, social welfare support, counseling, skills development and other services intended to help former persons deprived of liberty transition back into their communities.
BuCor said coordination with local governments forms part of its efforts to assist people released from custody in rebuilding their lives.
Veloso’s release followed the formal transmittal of the President’s grant of absolute pardon to the Department of Justice and subsequently to BuCor.
The turnover of the pardon and release order completed the administrative process for her release.