Prosecutors want Olongapo judge out of Laude murder case

The television report quoted Flores as saying that Ginez-Jabalde also has link with the prosecution as Chief Prosecutor Emily Delos Santos was a classsmate of the judge's husband.

The manifestation was made during the hearing of the motion to suspend proceedings filed by Pemberton's camp.

 

The report quoted lawyer Harry Roque, counsel of Laude's family, as saying that they were not interested with the supposed connections as long as the case was given enough attention and time.

 

The lawyer said Laude's camp would file an opposition to Pemberton's motion saying it had no basis as the prosecutors found overwhelming evidence to file the murder case and the move was just a delaying tactic.

 

Roque was quoted as saying the time spent on the motion would eat up the time both parties should already be presenting evidence in the court to prove the guilt or innocence of Pemberton.

 

Under the Visiting Forces Agreement, the judicial proceedings should be completed within one year. The murder charges against Pemberton was filed this December. The US Marine underwent booking procedures Friday. 

 

“In the event Philippine judicial proceedings are not completed within one year, the United States shall be relieved of any obligations under this paragraph. The one year period will not include the time necessary to appeal. Also, the one year period will not include any time during which scheduled trial procedures are delayed because United States authorities, after timely notification by Philippine authorities to arrange for the presence of the accused, fail to do so,” Section 6, Article V of the agreement states.

 

A separate News TV Live report said the motions filed by Laude's family seeking for Pemberton's transfer to Olongapo City Jail and allowing the media to cover the court proceedings are already submitted for resolution. — Amita Legaspi/RSJ/NB/JST, GMA News