MANILA, Philippines – President Rodrigo Duterte has granted "absolute pardon" to American soldier Joseph Scott Pemberton, who was convicted for the killing of Filipino transgender woman Jennifer Laude.
This was confirmed in a Twitter post of Department of Foreign Affairs Secretary Teodoro Locsin Jr. on Monday, September 7.
The grant of absolute pardon according to Department of Justice Parole and Probation Administration means "the total extinction of the criminal liability of the individual to whom it is granted without any condition whatsoever resulting to the full restoration of his civil rights."
The Olongapo court ordered Pemberton’s release, 4 years earlier than his 10-year sentence due to good conduct time allowance (GCTA) granted to him.
The Laude camp, opposed the decision, saying, "Pemberton, who lives comfortably and only his liberty is restricted—cannot reasonably and justifiably claim good conduct”.
On October 11, 2014, the 26-year-old Laude was found dead at a motel in Olongapo City. The victim was with Pemberton that night after they met at nearby disco bar.
The cause of death was reported as "asphyxiation by drowning."
Pemberton was in the Philippines to take part in regular military exercises.
Following the death of Laude, Pemberton was detained by the U.S. Navy, first on board his ship and then inside Camp Aguinaldo, the headquarters of the Armed Forces of the Philippines, located in Quezon City.
— The Summit Express
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| President Rodrigo Duterte grants 'absolute pardon' to Joseph Scott Pemberton (left), Jennifer Laude's convicted killer. |
This was confirmed in a Twitter post of Department of Foreign Affairs Secretary Teodoro Locsin Jr. on Monday, September 7.
Cutting matters short over what constitutes time served, and since where he was detained was not in the prisoner’s control—and to do justice—the President has granted an absolute pardon to Pemberton. Here at the Palace.— Teddy Locsin Jr. (@teddyboylocsin) September 7, 2020
"You have not treated Pemberton fairly so i-release ko."
READ: https://www.thesummitexpress.com/2020/09/duterte-grants-absolute-pardon-pemberton.html
Posted by The Summit Express on Monday, September 7, 2020
The grant of absolute pardon according to Department of Justice Parole and Probation Administration means "the total extinction of the criminal liability of the individual to whom it is granted without any condition whatsoever resulting to the full restoration of his civil rights."
The Olongapo court ordered Pemberton’s release, 4 years earlier than his 10-year sentence due to good conduct time allowance (GCTA) granted to him.
The Laude camp, opposed the decision, saying, "Pemberton, who lives comfortably and only his liberty is restricted—cannot reasonably and justifiably claim good conduct”.
On October 11, 2014, the 26-year-old Laude was found dead at a motel in Olongapo City. The victim was with Pemberton that night after they met at nearby disco bar.
The cause of death was reported as "asphyxiation by drowning."
Pemberton was in the Philippines to take part in regular military exercises.
Following the death of Laude, Pemberton was detained by the U.S. Navy, first on board his ship and then inside Camp Aguinaldo, the headquarters of the Armed Forces of the Philippines, located in Quezon City.
— The Summit Express
