SEPTEMBER 3: “AS I’VE said, the death of Jennifer Laude is symbolic of the death of the Philippines’ sovereignty. Saan kayo nakakita, ang krimen nangyari sa Pilipinas, ang biktima Pilipino, ni hindi natin nahawakan si Pemberton noong nililitis siya, at ngayon bagama’t symbolically hawak natin sila ay nandoon pa rin iyong mga Amerikanong mga sundalo?”
(Where else have you seen anything like this, where the crime happened in the Philippines, the victim was Filipino, yet we did not get to hold Pemberton while the case was being litigated, and now, while we symbolically hold him, American soldiers still guard him?)
Thus, a livid presidential loudspeaker Harry Roque raged at the decision of the Olongapo City Regional Trial Court Branch 54 to release United States MarineLance Corporal Joseph Scott Pemberton for good behavior.
“Hindi po makatarungan iyan ‘no. Pinatay po ni Pemberton si Laude na parang animal. Nilublob ang ulo sa inidoro hanggang malunod tapos binalian pa ng leeg. Hindi po tama na iyang karumal-dumal na krimen na iyan ay mapaparusahan lamang ng limang taong pagkakakulong.”
(It’s unjust. Pemberton killed Laude as if she were an animal. He dunked her head in the toilet until she drowned, then broke her neck. It’s not right that such a gruesome crime will be punished with only five years’ imprisonment.)
So, Roque raved in a radio interview.
SEPTEMBER 7: “Absolute pardon, meaning to say Pemberton can walk free. There is no longer any issue over if he is entitled to GCTA (Good Conduct Time Allowance), if the law will apply because he was not imprisoned in national penitentiary. The President erased the punishment imposed on Pemberton.”
Thus, Roque explaining the Duterte’s absolute pardon on Pemberton, adding that the President did not need to justify his decision as it was part of the powers granted to him as Chief Executive.
“Mamamatay tao pa rin siya, pero kung ano ‘yung karagdagang parusa pa, binura na ng Presidente (He is still a murderer, but whatever the additional penalties are, the President has erased these),” said Roque.
Consuelo de bobo to soothe his devastated amor propio. So Harry yet.
