VFA review pushed in Senate, especially on crime

By: Maila Ager - 10 years ago

Jeffrey Laude, also known as Jennifer. FACEBOOK PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines – Two senators pushed anew on Tuesday for a review of the Visiting Forces Agreement (VFA) as they condemned the killing of a Filipino transgender allegedly by a US Marine in Olongapo City.

“The VFA should be reviewed especially on the aspect of crime prevention,” Senator Vicente “Tito” Sotto III, an opposition member, said in a text message to reporters on Tuesday.

“Yes, kinukendena ko. No matter who is guilty. Kawawa naman yung tao. No one deserves to die that way,” Sotto added, referring to 26-year-old victim, Jeffrey “Jennifer” Laude.

Laude was killed last Saturday allegedly by the suspect identified as Private First Class Joseph Scott Pemberton.

The suspect is said to be part of the US Marine Corps 2nd Battalion 9th Marines assigned at the West Pace Express.

Senator Francis “Chiz” Escudero also called on the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) to revisit and propose amendments to the VFA.

“The police and prosecutors should act fast lest the prescriptive period be breached,” Escudero said in another text message, referring to the one-year period provided for in the VFA, IN which the Philippines should complete judicial proceedings against any US personnel.

“In the meantime, as before, I call on and urge the DFA to revisit and seek the amendment of the VFA regarding (its) lopsided criminal jurisdiction provision,” he said.

Senator Loren Legarda also condemned Laude’s killing, saying “justice must be served soon.”