Judge asked to rule on Pemberton’s arraignment
OLONGAPO CITY, Philippines – A judge handling the murder charges filed against US serviceman Joseph Scott Pemberton has been asked to order the resumption of trial and arraignment of the accused.
In an appeal filed last Jan. 28, the government prosecution panel, led by Emelie Fe delos Santos, asked Judge Roline Ginez-Jabalde to lift the suspension of the trial against Pemberton.
On Dec. 23, Jabalde ordered the trial suspended for 60 days due to a petition for review filed by Pemberton before the Department of Justice (DOJ).
The prosecution urged Jabalde to set Pemberton’s arraignment on Feb. 5 and to resolve a motion for inhibition they filed on Jan. 5.
Last week, the DOJ denied Pemberton’s appeal and affirmed a decision of the city prosecutor finding probable cause in the murder of Filipina transgender Jeffrey “Jennifer” Laude on Oct. 11.
The prosecution said there is no more reason to hold Pemberton’s arraignment now that the DOJ has junked his petition.
The prosecution panel said the court should immediately resolve their motion, noting the case is special and should be heard, tried and decided within one year.
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