The suspect in the case is a member of the US Marines, Private First Class Joseph Pemberton. Like other US troops involved in joint military exercises in the Philippines, he is covered by the Visiting Forces Agreement between the two countries.
The VFA provides for a one-year prescription for criminal cases involving US troops filed in Philippine courts.
Escudero renewed his call for a review of Visiting Forces Agreement following the killing of a transgender woman allegedly by a member of the US Marines.
“As before, I call on and urge the DFA (Department of Foreign Affairs) to revisit and seek the amendment of the VFA [as regards the] lopsided criminal jurisdiction provision,” Escudero said in a text message to reporters.
The 26-year-old victim Jeffrey Laude, also known as Jennifer, was found dead inside a motel in Olongapo City Saturday night.
The suspect is now being held on board the USS Peleliu, one of the vessels that joined the 2014 Amphibious Landing Exercises (PHIBLEX) in Subic in Zambales earlier this month.
Smith was eventually acquitted by the Court of Appeals after the victim took back her accusation against him. —NB, GMA News
