President Duterte grants “absolute pardon” to US Serviceman Pemberton – Locsin
MANILA – Foreign Affairs Secretary Teodoro L. Locsin, Jr. said President Rodrigo Duterte accorded US Marine Lance Corporal Joseph Scott Pemberton absolute pardon after being convicted for the death of a Filipino transgender woman Jennifer Laude.
In his Tweet over an hour ago, Secretary Locsin said “Cutting matters short over what constitutes time served, and since where he was detained was not in prisoner’s control – and to do justice – the President has granted an absolute pardon to Pemberton. Here at the Palace.”
Presidential Spokesperson Secretary Harry Roque said in a press briefing Thursday that only the Executive Branch can grant the Good Conduct Time Allowance and not the lower court as in the case of a decision by the Olongapo City Regional Trial Court Branch 74 Presiding Judge Roline Ginez-Jabale.
Secretary Roque said it is the death of Philippine sovereignty should the GCTA be extended to Lance Corporal; Pemberton.
However, President Duterte will address the nation tonight on the Pemberton case as well as the latest developments on COVID-19. (Melo M. Acuña)
Foreign Secretary Teodoro L. Locsin, Jr. (File Photo/Melo M. Acuna)
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