Palace says There is Enough Time to Try U.S. Serviceman Accused of Slaying Filipino Transgender

Malacañang said Wednesday there is enough time to complete the trial of United States Marine Lance Corporal Joseph Scott Pemberton, accused of killing a Filipino transgender, within the one-year timeframe set in the Visiting Forces Agreement (VFA).

In a phone interview with members of the Malacañang Press Corps, Presidential Communications Operations Office Secretary Herminio Coloma, Jr. told reporters that the two-month suspension of court proceedings granted to Pemberton by the Olongapo City Regional Trial Court is part of the judicial process.

The court on Tuesday allowed the 60-day suspension, pending a ruling on a petition filed by Pemberton with the Justice Department seeking a review of the murder charge against him over the death of Jeffrey “Jennifer” Laude last October.

“Kailangan pong sumunod din tayo diyan dahil proseso ng batas ang pinag-uusapan, at ang proseso na ito ay isa sa mga karapatan ng mga akusado, kaya tumatalima lang po tayo sa umiiral na proseso na ‘yan,” said Secretary Coloma.

He noted that under the VFA, the case against Pemberton must be resolved within one year.

“Ang layunin ng pamahalaan dito ay magtagumpay ang katarungan at mayroon naman po kasing nakatakdang panahon o timeframe sa Visiting Forces Agreement, na kung saan nakasaad na sa loob ng isang taon ay kinakailangang matapos ang paglilitis,” he explained.

“‘Yon po ang timeframe at kauumpisa pa lang naman ng timeframe na ito. Meron pa namang sapat na panahon para maganap ang paglilitis,” he added.

Pemberton was last seen with Laude before the latter’s body was found in a motel in Olongapo City. According to police, Laude died of “asphyxia by drowning.” PND (ag)