Despite the affirmation of his conviction for killing Filipino transgender Jennifer Laude, US Marine Lance Corporal Joseph Scott Pemberton may regain his freedom this coming July.
Kabayan party-list Rep. Harry Roque, who acted as lead counsel in the Laude family’s search for justice, said President Duterte should intervene to prevent Pemberton’s release from prison for good conduct.
However, he welcomed the Court of Appeals affirmation of the guilty verdict against Pemberton that was handed down by the Olongapo City Regional Trial Court.
“The Court of Appeals’ affirmation of the guilty verdict of Pemberton is a welcome development. The fact that a member of the US Marines was found guilty for breach of our criminal laws for the very first time is an affirmation of Philippine sovereignty,” said Roque.
He noted: “Nonetheless, the Laude family is alarmed that unless the President intervenes, Pemberton could be set free as early as July this year with allowance for good conduct and his alleged enrollment in a distance learning program. An incarceration of only three years for the death of a Filipino trivializes the death of our sovereignty.” (Ben R. Rosario)