Duterte never promised Pemberton will remain in jail during his term — Palace

Malacañang on Monday disputed the claim of the mother of slain transgender woman Jennifer Laude that President Rodrigo Duterte had promised that US Marine Joseph Scott Pemberton would not be released while he is the chief executive.

At a news briefing, Duterte’s spokesperson Harry Roque said Laude’s mother Julita has never met the President.

“Ang alam ko po, walang ganiyang promise ang Presidente. Ang pangako po ni Presidente ay bibigyan ng katarungan ang pagkamatay ni Jennifer Laude, at nakulong naman po si Pemberton nang halos anim na taon,” said Roque, a former lawyer of the Laude family.

Roque, however, confirmed Julita's statement that Duterte extended financial assistance to the Laude family.

“I can confirm the President gave them financial aid three times, pero iyong halaga huwag na nating isapubliko dahil ayaw ngang ilabas sana ni Presidente iyong tulong niya sa Laude family. Pero ang tulong po niya ay tulong naman po sa lahat ng nangangailangan,” Roque said.

Duterte pardoned Pemberton last week, prompting Philippine authorities to deport the 25-year-old on Sunday just over five years into his service of a six- to 10-year prison sentence for homicide. 

A former government prosecutor, the President argued that Pemberton was treated unfairly after his behavior while detained and in prison was not duly monitored by Philippine authorities for good conduct time credits.

Still, Roque said Pemberton left the Philippines as an undesirable alien because of his conviction.

“Kahit saan po siya makarating sa mundong ito, mayroon pa ring bansag sa kanya – convicted killer, Pemberton,” he added.

[Read: Timeline of Jennifer Laude slay case]

Also in the same press briefing, Roque said Pemberton will face court martial proceedings in the United States.

Pemberton, who was convicted in 2015 for killing Laude inside a Olongapo City motel in October 2014, thanked Duterte for his compassion in granting him absolute pardon. The American serviceman also apologized to the Laudes.  — RSJ, GMA News