Pemberton’s ma no-show at trial

OLONGAPO CITY, Philippines  – The mother of US Marine Lance Cpl. Joseph Scott Pemberton did not attend his murder trial yesterday, wherein she was expected to testify on the character of her son.

Pemberton was accused of killing Filipino transgender Jeffrey “Jennifer” Laude in a motel here in October last year. 

Lisa Pemberton was among the defense witnesses lined up to take the witness stand before Judge Roline Ginez-Jabalde of the Regional Trial Court Branch 74.

Defense lawyer Rowena Flores told journalists that Lisa would testify at next week’s hearing.

Private prosecutor Harry Roque criticized the defense for failing to present evidence and witnesses for the second week.

Roque said the prosecution is running out of time, noting what he described as delaying tactics employed by the camp of the accused. 

“This delay is part of the strategy of the accused and we call the attention of the Supreme Court on this matter,” Roque said during a press briefing.

He said they have only one year and four months to finish the case.

“We have to address these delaying tactics. If we run out of time, Pemberton will be able to leave the country,” he said.

Flores said they could not present evidence and witnesses until the prosecution has rested its case.

She denied they were the cause of the delay, citing a demurrer filed by the prosecution.

Jabalde cancelled the scheduled hearing on Aug. 4 to give Pemberton’s lawyers time to study a court resolution on the prosecution’s offer of evidence last month.

Prosecutor Emilie Fe delos Santos said the court refused to admit at least 20 pieces of documentary and material evidence that the prosecution offered to prove Pemberton’s guilt. 

Public prosecutors asked the court to reconsider an order excluding vital government evidence against Pemberton.

Pemberton’s camp said the Philippine National Police crime laboratory has reexamined a condom wrapper recovered at the crime scene.

Government witnesses claimed the wrapper bore the fingerprints of the accused.

Results of the re-examination indicated the latent print on the condom wrapper did not belong to Pemberton.

This prompted Flores to say that there was no physical evidence linking Pemberton to the crime.