Drilon: US-Philippines ties strong despite Pemberton's conviction

MANILA, Philippines — Senate President Franklin Drilon on Wednesday expressed his confidence that the decision rendered by the Olongapo Regional Trial Court against a United States Marine will not affect the relationship of the Philippines and the United States.

US Marine Lance Corporal Joseph Scott Pemberton was convicted of homicide for killing Filipino transgender Jeffrey "Jennifer" Laude and was sentenced to imprisonment from six to 12 years.

"The crime was committed by an individual through his own acts in Philippine territory. The country has to uphold and promote respect for the laws of our nation," Drilon said in a statement.

Drilon added that the US government is expected to comply with and respect the decision.

The senator stressed that the 20-year-old Marine was given equal opportunity to defend himself before a court of law.

"I believe that the Court rendered its decision based on applicable laws and jurisprudence, and according to what is just and right," Drilon said.

The Olongapo court initially ordered Pemberton to be temporarily committed to the New Bilibid Prison in Muntinlupa City pending clarification of a custody arrangement between the Philippine and US governments.

Pemberton, however, was allowed to continue his stay at the Armed Forces' Custodial Center at Camp Aguinaldo in Quezon City under the guard of the Bureau of Corrections.

Olongapo City Regional Trial Court Judge Roline Ginez-Jabalde later on amended the decision for Pemberton to be temporarily detained in Muntinlupa following the opinion of the Department of Justice.

The judge also ordered the US Marine to pay the family of Laude a total of P4.6 million (about $100,000): P4.325 million for lost earnings, P155,250 for the burial expenses, P50,000 in moral damages, P50,000 as civil indemnity and P30,000 in exemplary damages.

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