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EXHIBIT 10(b)
CONSENT OF ERNST & YOUNG LLP, INDEPENDENT AUDITORS
We consent to the reference to our firm under the caption "Experts"
in Post-Effective Amendment Number 14 to the Registration Statement (Form
N-4, No. 33-15672) of John Hancock Variable Annuity Account V.
We also consent to the inclusion of our reports dated February 11, 2000
on the financial statements included in the Annual Report of the John Hancock
Variable Annuity Account V, and dated March 10, 2000 on the financial state-
ments included in the Annual Report of the John Hancock Mutual Life Insurance
Company for the year ended December 31, 1999.
/s/ ERNST & YOUNG LLP
ERNST & YOUNG LLP
Boston, Massachusetts
November 1, 2000
