Santiago seeks testimony of Laude’s friend in Senate hearing

Senator Miriam Defensor-Santiago. RYAN LEAGOGO/INQUIRER.net FILE PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines — Sen. Miriam Defensor-Santiago has asked the friend of slain Filipino transgender Jeffrey “Jennifer” Laude and a hotel staff to testify at a hearing on her killing allegedly by a US Marine on Wednesday morning.

Santiago last Monday asked Justice Secretary Leila de Lima to allow Mark Clarence Gelviro, also known as “Barbie,” and Elias A. Galamos of Celzone Lodge to shed light on the murder.

“Their testimonies will be absolutely essential for the Senate to carry out the mandate to conduct an inquiry in aid of legislation,” she said in her letter to De Lima.

Laude was found dead, slumped on the toilet seat, shortly after she and Marine Private First Class Joseph Scott Pemberton checked in at the Celzone Lodge in Olongapo City on the night of Oct. 11.

Gelviro, 22, said he and Laude met Pemberton at the Ambyanz Disco Bar on Magsaysay Drive that night. Then Laude asked him to accompany them to the hotel. When they reached the hotel, Laude asked him to leave.

Geliviro had been admitted into the Department of Justice’s witness protection program.

Gallamos, hotel attendant, saw the suspect leave the room, leaving the door ajar.

Santiago, chairman of the foreign relations committee, called the hearing in aid of legislation. She set the first hearing at around 10 a.m. Wednesday.

The senator also invited Foreign Affairs Secretary Albert del Rosario, Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin, Eduardo Oban of the Presidential Commission on the Visiting Forces Agreement (VFA), and Philippine National Police Chief Director General Alan Purisima.

Laude’s mother Julita, and sisters Michelle and Marilou, and the chief of police of Olongapo City were also invited as resource persons.

Last week, Santiago called for the abrogation of the VFA because its provisions on the VFA tended to favor the American troops.

She pointed at provisions in VFA giving the US military custody of its personnel from the commission of crime until the completion of proceedings, upon its. In contrast, if the Philippines presents its position on custody, the US government would take this into “full account.’’

“Again, here we’re always on the wrong side of the law, and for me, this is an opportunity to recall my call: abrogate the VFA,’’ Santiago said. “Ask the Americans for renegotiation, and if they refuse, give them notice. All you have to do to abrogate is give one-year notice to the Americans.’’

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