Maniolas

By Christine O. Avendaño, Jerome C. Aning |Philippine Daily Inquirer 1:07 am | Tuesday, October 21st, 2014 The USS Peleliu at Subic Bay where US Marine Joseph Scott Pemberton (inset) is reportedly held until the investigation of the US soldier’s involvement in the killing of a Filipino transgender in Olongapo City is done. AP/INSET PHOTO FROM PEMBERTO’S FACEBOOK ACCOUNT MANILA, Philippines–US Marine Pfc. Joseph Scott Pemberton has no reason not to appear in Tuesday’s preliminary investigation of the killing of transgender Filipino Jeffrey “Jennifer” Laude at the Olongapo City Prosecutor’s Office, Justice Secretary Leila de Lima said on Monday. “The city prosecutor will insist on his personal appearance so that no one will say that there is special treatment, so that it cannot be said that the stance of the government, especially the Department of Justice, is soft, considering that the case is now in our level,” De Lima told reporters. “If he does not appear and does not submit an affidavit, then his right to file one will be considered waived. The prosecutor will not readily accept a counteraffidavit that is not sworn to and subscribed before him,” she said. The US Embassy said on Sunday it would produce Pemberton but his appearance in legal proceedings was for his lawyer to decide. ‘For his own sake’ Pemberton, who is being held aboard the USS Peleliu, which is docked at the Subic Bay Freeport, should appear at the preliminary investigation “for his own sake,” according to the Department of Foreign Read More …

The US Embassy will leave it to Pfc. Joseph Scott Pemberton whether to appear before the Olongapo City Prosecutor’s Office for his preliminary investigation over the killing of transgender woman Jennifer Laude. In a statement, the embassy said the US continues to fully cooperate and collaborate with Philippine authorities in all aspects of the case. “Whether the suspect will appear on Tuesday is a decision that he will make in consultation with his Philippine legal counsel, in accordance with Philippine law. We refer you to his counsel for details,” it said. On the other hand, it said the witnesses will not appear on Tuesday, “as they have already met their current legal obligations.” The embassy added, however, that in accordance with the Visiting Forces Agreement, the witnesses will be made available for the trial. The embassy said city prosecutors met last week with four witnesses and swore them to their statements in accordance with Philippine law. It said this satisfied the requirements of the City Prosecutor and the “make available” language of the US– Philippine Visiting Forces Agreement.  — Joel Locsin /LBG, GMA News

UP students denounce VFA, EDCA. UP activists rally in front of Palma Hall at UP Diliman on Friday, October 17, to denounce the Visiting Forces Agreement (VFA) and the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (EDCA) between the Philippines and the US. They are also calling for justice for Filipino transgender woman Jeffrey Laude, who was allegedly killed by a US serviceman in Olongapo City. GMA News Malacañang on Saturday reminded Harry Roque, the lawyer of slain transgender woman Jeffrey “Jennifer” Laude’s family, to keep the issue of the Visiting Forces Agreement (VFA) separate from the case he is handling.  “The issue on VFA and calls for its review should be discussed on a different level,” deputy presidential spokesperson Abigail Valte on Saturday said, when asked to react to Roque’s opposition to he VFA. Roque had asked the Supreme Court to compel the government to renegotiate the terms of the Visiting Forces Agreement (VFA) it entered with the United States. The Supreme Court dismissed his petition. “The issue for Jennifer should be treated separately,” Valte said. Laude was found dead inside a motel in Olongapo City last Saturday, Oct.11. A murder complaint has been filed against US Marine Pfc. Joseph Scott Pemberton. He is reportedly aboard USS Peleliu, which has been barred from leaving the Philippines while the investigation into Laude’s death is ongoing. After the incident, some personalities and groups, including Senators Miriam Defensor-Santiago and Francis Escudero, renewed their call to review the treaty. Santiago said the alleged involvement of a Read More …

Freed German nationals arrive in Manila. Following their release Friday night, two German nationals abducted by the Abu Sayyaf were brought to Metro Manila early Saturday, the Armed Forces of the Philippines said. They arrived at Villamor Air Base at 6:45 a.m., according to AFP spokesman Maj. Gen. Domingo Tutaan Jr. Armed Forces of the Philippines Malacañang on Saturday said President Benigno Aquino III is concerned over the health of the two freed German hostages who had been held by the Abu Sayyaf group in Sulu since April. In a press briefing on Saturday, deputy presidential spokesperson Abigail Valte said that while the President was happy over the release of the two Germans on Friday, he also expressed concern over their physical condition. Asked if the two hostages will pay a courtesy call on Aquino in Malacañang, Valte just said she has no information about it yet, adding that their main concern is for the victims to receive medical attention. “Now we understand the first concern for them is to receive medical attention and I’m sure they would want to get in touch with their families,” she noted. Stefan Victor Okonek, 71,  and  Herike Diesen, 55, were taken by the bandits while on board their yacht in waters between Palawan and Sabah in April. After their release on Friday night, they were flown to Metro Manila early Saturday, the Armed Forces of the Philippines said. AFP spokesman Maj. Gen. Domingo Tutaan Jr. said the Germans arrived at Villamor Air Base Read More …

INQUIRER.net US Bureau 6:25 am | Friday, October 17th, 2014 SAN FRANCISCO – A domestic violence prevention seminar and resources fair provided information and educational sources to women and their families at the Kalayaan Hall of the Philippine Center on October 2. The Alliance for Community Empowerment (ALLICE) hosted its 10th Annual Free from Violence Seminar and Resource Fair in partnership with the Philippine Consulate General. . The event sought to increase awareness of the situation of women who are caught in abusive relationships. In her testimony, Giovanni Espiritu, abuse survivor, gave a tearful account of her experiences with various forms of abuse committed by people close to her and her struggle to find justice. Consul General Henry S. Bensurto, Jr. stated that the issue of domestic violence deserves the full support of all sectors of our community. He also thanked ALLICE for its efforts in raising awareness on domestic violence. He led attendees in a pledge to end domestic violence. Consul General Bensurto leads the pledge to end domestic violence. Also in the photo are Assemblymember Rob Bonta, Colma Councilmember Joanne Del Rosario and Jose Antonio. Assemblymember Rob Bonta stressed the importance of building healthy family relationships and teaching and showing the younger members of families the importance of respect. He also stated that laws are in place to protect the victims of domestic violence. During the seminar, ALLICE’s allies, people and organizations that help the victims and fight for the cause to end domestic violence, were recognized. This Read More …