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'Let courts decide on Pemberton's release' --- Sotto

Philippines | National

'Let courts decide on Pemberton's release' --- Sotto

By Vanne Elaine Terrazola

Courts should be allowed to decide on the release of US Marine Lance Corporal Joseph Scott Pemberton, Senate President Vicente Sotto III said Saturday.

Sen. Vicente Sotto III (Senate of the Philippines / MANILA BULLETIN)

Sotto said the rule of law should prevail on issues concerning the case of Pemberton, who was convicted in December 2015 for killing Filipino transwoman Jennifer Laude in Olongapo City in 2014.

"As regards Pemberton, he was imprisoned in accordance with the law, and his release should also be under our laws," Sotto said in a text message to reporters on Saturday.

"We are a government of laws, and not of emotion. They must apply to all with Lady Justice blindfolded, without regard to nationality. Let our courts decide," he added.

The Senate leader's statement comes amid the public outcry on the early release of the American serviceman as allowed by the Olongapo City Regional Trial Court thru the good conduct time allowance (GCTA) .

On Friday, the Department of Justice said it would put on hold Pemberton's release, saying it will also file a motion for reconsideration on the court's decision.

Sotto earlier refused to comment on whether or not Pemberton's release on account of behavior had been proper, saying they would have to study the basis and computation of his GCTA credits.

But he said the matter could be included in the Senate Blue Ribbon Committee's investigation on the issues on the Bureau of Correction's implementation of GCTA last year.

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