Manila, Sept. 25 -- President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Friday announced the granting of an absolute pardon to Mary Jane Veloso, who returned to the Philippines in December 2024 after spending nearly 15 years in prison in Indonesia for alleged drug trafficking.

"Pinirmahan ko na 'yung pardon niya kahapon (I signed her pardon yesterday)," Marcos confirmed on the sidelines of his visit to Eastern Visayas.

Malacanang said Wednesday that Marcos was considering granting Veloso an absolute pardon on humanitarian grounds.

Veloso was arrested in 2010 in Yogyakarta, Indonesia, and was sentenced to death in the same year after authorities found 2.6 kg. of heroin in her luggage.

She consistently maintained her innocence, saying she was a victim...