Former Senator Bam Aquino slammed the decision of President Rodrigo Duterte to grant pardon to US Marine Lance Corporal Joseph Scott Pemberton.
In a tweet, Aquino criticized the decision of the court against Pemberton and also the pardon granted to him by the President.
According to him, many Filipinos needed the same treatment.
“Nasaan ang hustisya kung ang mga kapwa Pilipino ang nangangailangan nito?”
Pemberton was convicted for ending the life of Filipina transwoman Jennifer Laude in 2014.
The American soldier was put in detention for six years after the Olongapo City Regional Trial Court (RTC) ordered the early release of Pemberton, citing his Good Conduct and Time Allowance (GCTA).
Pemberton also reportedly paid 4.5-M to the family of the victim.
The camp of Laude opposed the decision of the court.
However, President Duterte ended the debate on Pemberton’s release after he granted an absolute pardon to the US Marine.
The decision of the President received criticisms from celebrities and netizens.
Duterte defended his decision, saying that the Philippines didn’t treat Pemberton fairly.
“It is not the fault of Pemberton na hindi na na-compute because we should allow him, the good character presumption kasi wala namang nagreport na Marines na nagsabi na nagwawala siya,” said Duterte.
“So sabi ko kay Justice Secretary, Medialdea, pinatawag ko sila kanina, sabi ko it’s my decision to pardon. Correct me if I’m wrong but ito ang tingin ko sa kaso. We have not treated Pemberton fairly,” he added.
Pemberton is planning to go back to school when he leaves the country.