Plea bargain tackled in Laude pre-trial

OLONGAPO CITY, Philippines – Lawyers for the defense and the prosecution discussed plea bargaining during the resumption of the pre-trial conference on the killing of Filipino transgender Jeffrey “Jennifer” Laude here yesterday.

The victim’s family remained firm in their resolve to see the accused, US Marine Lance Corporal Joseph Scott Pemberton, in jail for the death of Laude in October last year.

Virgie Suarez, counsel for the Laude family, said plea bargaining was discussed, but she clarified that the defense made no offer and the prosecution did not ask for anything.

 “Plea bargaining is just part of the legal process that we have to go through but nothing concrete was discussed,” Suarez told The STAR.

She said lawyers for both parties would continue to discuss the plea bargaining, but this would likely be done simultaneously with the start of the trial on March 23.

Harry Roque, lead counsel for the Laude family, said the US panel representing Pemberton entered a pre-bargaining plea, a new court provision patterned after the US court, in an attempt to lower the case to homicide.

Roque said the Laude family has no problem with the new provision as long as justice is served.

The victim’s mother, Julita, said they want only one thing, and that is to see Pemberton behind bars. Laude’s sister, Marilou, said the family remains firm on this.

Pemberton, who appeared in court during the Feb. 27 pre-trial conference, attended the pre-trial yesterday.

His appearance came as a surprise as a judge had earlier granted his motion to let his lawyer represent him in court, except when his presence is needed.– With Ric Sapnu