The United Church of Christ in the Philippines (UCCP) Council of Bishops stands firm in its Christian commitment to truth, justice, and compassion in the case of Mary Jane Veloso—a Filipina migrant worker and mother who has endured fifteen years of incarceration, first in Indonesia and now in the Philippines, for a crime rooted in exploitation and deceit.

We recall our Church’s earlier statements echoing Mary Jane Veloso’s heartfelt appeal, calling upon then-President Rodrigo Duterte to use his authority to ensure that both the Philippine and Indonesian justice systems allow her testimony to be heard—testimony that is vital to uncovering the truth and affirming her rights as a victim of human trafficking.

Credit to JD (watercolor painting)
Beloved siblings in Christ,
Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves; ensure justice for those being crushed.
Proverbs 31:8 (NLT)
With hearts anchored in compassion and justice, we call on all members, congregations, fellowships, and councils of the United Church of Christ in the Philippines (UCCP) to join a united action of faith and advocacy.
Let us write to President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos, Jr., appealing for the absolute pardon of Mary Jane Veloso, a victim-survivor of human trafficking who has suffered 15 long years in unjust incarceration.
Mary Jane was deceived, exploited, imprisoned, and silenced. But now, with the Philippine government having secured her repatriation from Indonesia, we have the chance to help finish the fight — to help her walk into freedom and dignity.
This is our moment to act. As a church who stands for life, justice, and mercy — we must be loud and clear:
Free Mary Jane. Let her chains fall, in truth and in law.
We encourage all UCCP members to:
📝 Write your own letter or use the prepared template below.
📧 Send it to: ogsuccp@gmail.com
✉️ Subject line: July 2025 Veloso letter barrage campaign
📅 Send your letter anytime this week, but the sooner the better.

🔻Template Letter to Copy, Customize, and Send:
[INSERT CHURCH OR COUNCIL LETTERHEAD]
[INSERT DATE]
OFFICE OF THE PRESIDENT OF THE PHILIPPINES
Malacañang Complex
J.P. Laurel Street, San Miguel
1005 Manila, Philippines
Your Excellency President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr.,
We greet you in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, who proclaims good news to the poor, liberty to the captives, and justice to the oppressed.
Joining the United Church of Christ in the Philippines (UCCP) and the Presbyterian Church (USA), that speak as one voice – we, [INSERT YOUR CHURCH OR GROUP NAME] are calling for the immediate and absolute pardon of Mary Jane Veloso, a survivor of human trafficking who has endured 15 years of unjust imprisonment.
The records and circumstances attest that Mary Jane was deceived into unknowingly becoming a drug mule in 2010. She was trafficked under the false promise of employment, exploited, convicted, and imprisoned. In 2024, after international advocacy and with your government’s diplomatic efforts, she was allowed to return to the Philippines – a long-awaited step toward justice. But let us be clear: she is still not free.
Now imprisoned in her own homeland, Mary Jane remains behind bars – even after the Indonesian government has left her fate to Philippine authorities, including the responsibility of granting her clemency. Her traffickers have been convicted in a similar case even while she is poised to testify soon against them.
We ask, how much longer must she suffer before mercy and justice meet in her name?
Mary Jane has suffered long enough. Justice delayed is justice denied. We, as people of faith, cannot be silent, while one of God’s daughters remains imprisoned after surviving exploitation. Her chains must fall – not in theory, but in truth.
Let her live freely. Let her heal with dignity. Let Mary Jane Veloso go free.
In faith and action,
[INSERT NAME, CHURCH, SIGNATURE, POSITION]

Let us be like the persistent widow in Luke 18 who cried for justice until it came. This is our prophetic work — to raise our voice and not stop until liberty is proclaimed.
May the Spirit empower us,
✊🏽 UCCP for Justice, UCCP for Mary Jane
🕊️ Let us pray, act, and speak — until she’s finally free.
#FreeMaryJaneVeloso
#UCCPForJustice
#LetHerGoHomeInFreedom
 
Below is the Joint Statement on Global Action to Free Mary Jane Veloso by UCCP and PCUSA: (click the link to view the text)

https://www.uccpchurch.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/2025-06-09_Joint_Statement_on_Global_Action_to_Free_Mary_Jane.pdf

The United Church of Christ in the Philippines praises the God of justice and righteousness for blessing the Church with yet another victory through the recent acquittal of Rev. Nathaniel “Dodo” Vallente of Bohol Conference. We believe this triumph was made possible through the persistent cries and collective action of peace and justice advocates who have remained steadfast in their pursuit of truth and freedom.

After languishing in prison for three years and four months, Rev. Dodo endured the unimaginable—falsely accused and unjustly imprisoned on trumped-up charges of illegal possession of explosives. His only “crime” was answering the prophetic call to minister to the poor and to stand boldly alongside the oppressed and victims of injustice. His unwavering commitment to truth and compassion made him a target, yet he remained steadfast in his faith and mission. We can scarcely begin to fathom the pain, isolation, and emotional toll this ordeal inflicted—not only on Rev. Dodo himself, but also on his family, his congregation, and the wider community that looked to him for spiritual leadership. The suffering they endured in silence speaks volumes about the cost of prophetic witness in the face of systemic injustice.

https://www.uccpchurch.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Council-of-Bishops-Statement-on-the-Acquittal-of-Rev.-Nathaniel-Dodo-Vallente-v3.pdf

Grace and peace to you all in the name of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
With hearts full of thankfulness, not only to the gracious God, who is always just and faithful, but also to all of our constituents who have accompanied us on this challenging journey with their prayers, encouragement, and unshakable support.
As many of you are aware of, the Mandaluyong RTC court has issued an acquittal ruling in the perjury case filed against us. We accept this verdict with humility and reverence, knowing that justice belongs to God and that truth always prevails in His time.
Throughout this process, we relied upon the words of Psalm 37:6: “He will make your righteousness shine like the dawn, your justice like the noonday sun.” It has been a time of trial, introspection, and increased faith in the Lord’s providence. Our hope has never been in legal systems, but rather in the One who rules over heaven and earth.
We want to emphasize that our integrity and purpose remain unfading. We harbor no resentment in our hearts toward anyone and hope that this chapter serves as a testament to God’s grace, not only for us but also for others who are going through challenging times.
As we carry on with our journey as your church leaders, we do so with a fresh sense of dedication and a greater understanding of the importance of justice, mercy, and compassion.
Let’s keep walking in love, supporting each other with grace, and trusting in the fair judgment of our God.
With all humility and thanksgiving,
PIO D. BACONGA
GRACE A. TY
BISHOP REUEL NORMAN O. MARIGZA
LAURO C. MILLAN
JOVITO I. GANADEN
BISHOP MELZAR D. LABUNTOG
BISHOP HAMUEL G. TEQUIS
BISHOP JAIME R. MORILES
BISHOP ELORDE M. SAMBAT
BISHOP JOEL E. TENDERO
BISHOP EMERGENCIO D. PADILLO (deceased)
https://www.uccpchurch.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/250425-Justice-like-a-noonday-sun.pdf

UCCP National Office 877 EDSA, West Triangle Quezon City 1104
(632) 8 426 1729 | 8 426 3790 | 8 426 9157
  ogsuccp@gmail.com

     

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