Statement of Senator Nancy Binay on the murder
of Filipino transgender Jeffrey "Jennifer" Laude

I join the Filipino people and the LGBT community in condemning the gruesome murder of transgender Jeffrey "Jennifer" Laude.

Jennifer's murder is a painful reminder that hate crimes towards our LGBT community continue despite efforts to halt discrimination against individuals based on their sexual orientation and gender identity.

However, the involvement of Private First Class Joseph Scott Pemberton, a US Marine, should strongly prompt the Aquino administration to prioritize Jennifer's case and assert jurisdiction over its investigation.

I support calls for our government to assert its stand to gain custody of Pemberton to ensure that the suspect will be brought to justice.

This is not the first time US military servicemen committed offenses in Philippine soil.

Isang malaking hamon ang pagkamatay ni Jennifer sa gobyernong ito.

Ever since, hands are tied when it comes to demanding custody--at sa ngayon, muli tayong sinusubukan kung paano titimbangin ang mga kasunduan batay sa Visiting Forces Agreement, at pagbigay katarungan sa kaso ni Jennifer.

Panawagan ko sa pamahalaang ito na manindigan at unahin ang pagresolba ng kaso ni Jennifer upang mapanagot ang may sala at sana po ay bigyang priyoridad ng gobyerno ang kapakanan ng mamamayan nito sa lahat ng pagkakataon.