Compromise

“WE should not lose sight of the bigger picture which is to get justice. And since criminal jurisdiction is with us, we would be able to try [US Marine PFC Joseph Scott] Pemberton in a Philippine court under Philippine law,” Foreign Affairs spokesperson Charles Jose said regarding the ongoing murder trial against the American serviceman for the death of Filipino transgender Jennifer Laude.
Filipinos supporting the conviction of Pemberton are told not to get offtrack on the current issue.
The search for truth and justice behind Laude’s murder has become an overwhelming predicament for Filipinos. It has turned into a national issue, but instead of restoring faith and confidence in the justice system, the current developments have undermined its zealously guarded integrity.
Referring to ardent calls by some militants to abrogate the US-Philippine Visiting Forces Agreement (VFA), Jose stressed that the country has one goal, which is to seek justice for the victim and attain such objective given the provision of the VFA.
Jose also insisted that while the Philippine government failed to secure Pemberton’s custody, Pemberton remains guarded and monitored by both Philippine and US authorities. Once found guilty and convicted, Pemberton will serve jail time in the Philippines.
For its part, the US Embassy in Manila assured that it is closely cooperating with the Philippine government. Ambassador Philip Goldberg said that the US government will deal with the issue diplomatically, taking into account the “sensibilities and sensitivities” of the Filipino people.
Stressing also the significance of the VFA in the Laude slay case, Goldberg said that parties involved “have to make sure that justice is done in the case. We have to make sure that the rights of the accused are also protected.”
Key players in this pending case represent fundamental roles in the progress of how honorable or questionable the reputation of the Philippine justice system will be, depending on the outcome of the vetting process. Both the US and Philippine governments are utilizing primary measures necessary for the realization of a justice system that is easy for the people to understand. These measures are required for an intelligent participation by the people.
Being a sort of plaintiff in this legal drama, Filipinos are advised to remain an informed audience instead of engaging in squabbles. By allowing due process to take its course, the justice system may get its needed support to salvage whatever is left in its tainted reputation.
Rendering justice will strengthen the system. If all goes well, fundamental changes in the interests of a trustworthy and reliable justice system may actually occur. It will present a strong statement in balancing all the interests of the aggrieved party, the law and national welfare.
(AJPress)