Court asked to put Pemberton in regular jail, allow media coverage

MANILA, Philippines—Relatives of slain Filipino transgender Jeffrey “Jennifer” Laude asked the Olongapo Regional Trial Court to transfer Lance Corporal Joseph Scott Pemberton to a regular jail and to make the trial open to the media.

In its urgent motion filed Friday, Marilou Laude said the Philippines should have primary jurisdiction over Pemberton.

Based on the resolution of the Olongapo Prosecutors Office charging Pemberton with murder, there is qualifying circumstance of treachery, abuse of superior strength and cruelty. Justice Secretary Leila De Lima said this can be considered an extraordinary circumstance which can be cited to acquire custody over the soldier pursuant to the provisions of the Visiting Forces Agreement.

In a separate motion, the Laudes insisted that the proceedings be opened to the media.

The motion said Julita Laude, the mother of the victim, is in Leyte which is six hours by land to the nearest airport.

“Hence she has financial, logistical, and transportation constraints in attending all the hearings in this case. Consequently, the press will be the main medium through which Mrs. Julita S. Laude can be informed of what transpired during the proceedings in the case,” the motion said, which also cited public interest.

“Barring the press from the court room might partake of a serious limitation on the right to free speech and of the press. The so-called fourth estate has the constitutionally guaranteed protection to report on matters of great public interest,” the motion stated.

During Friday’s proceeding when Pemberton appeared in public for the first time, the Olongapo court is in total lockdown barring the press from entering the area.

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