Palace: Pemberton’s release on hold to await resolution of motion for reconsideration

Joseph Scott Pemberton. (AP file photo/Philippine National Police Olongapo city)

MANILA, Philippines — The release of US Marine Lance Cpl. Joseph Scott Pemberton will remain on hold to await the court’s resolution of the motion for reconsideration, Malacañang said Thursday.

Presidential spokesperson Harry Roque said the move was advised by the Department of Justice (DOJ), quoting a text message from Bureau of Corrections (BuCor) Dir. Gen. Gerald Bantag.

“Just in po, I will just read the text po of our BuCor chief. And I will quote, ‘By the way, Sir, advise ng DOJ, hindi ipa-process ang release, this is referring to Pemberton, since there was an MR filed and we’ll just wait for the resolution of the MR,” Roque said.

“[Armed Forces of the Philippines spokesperson] General [Edgar] Arevalo, please await resolution of the MR before releasing Pemberton,” he added.

Roque himself said the court order to release Pemberton, who was convicted for the killing of Filipino transgender woman Jennifer Laude, was a “judicial overreach.”

In an order by an Olongapo court, Pemberton was said to have already served the 10-year maximum of his penalty after taking into account the good conduct time allowances he accumulated while detained.

JPV