By JONAS TERRADO
University of the Philippines star Kobe Paras has strong words over the decision of President Rodrigo Duterte to pardon convicted US Marine Lance Cpl. Joseph Pemberton.
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Pemberton is the American serviceman who was convicted for killing transgender Jennifer Laude in an Olongapo City motel in 2014.
Paras, known for being outspoken about national issues, said Pemberton’s release is sending a wrong message.
“Letting criminals out is really scary. This is not right!” Paras said on his Twitter account @_kokoparas on Tuesday.
“I fear for everyone in this country,” Paras added. “We got (two) viruses to worry (about)…COVID-19 and the politics here in the Philippines.”
He also shared his thoughts through Instagram story showing an art card about Pemberton’s release, saying: “This ain’t it…People like him don’t deserve any kind of freedom…”
He also posted an Instagram story reacting to a tweet by former senator Antonio Trillanes, a staunch critic of Duterte.
“Something wrong with this dude…The people will not tolerate this s___. Karma is a bigger bitch than who (you all) call the ‘president’,” said Paras. “F___ it if I get killed for speaking up.”
Paras was among the athletes who spoke against the controversial Anti-Terror Bill, which was signed into law by Duterte in early-July.
He also expressed support to seven protesters from the UP campus in Cebu who were arrested for protesting against the bill.