As Gender Ombud, the Commission on Human Rights expresses its dismay and utter disappointment over the Chief Executive’s grant of full pardon to US Marine PFC Joseph Scott Pemberton, the American service member guilty of killing Jennifer Laude. The Commission recognises the scope of the Chief Executive’s power to grant pardon. However, there is still an obligation to account for the exercise of the pardon, to wield this power with prudence and sensitivity to the plight of victims.

Killings of transgender persons continue to rise worldwide. In the Philippines, they continue to be victims of violence and harassment. Protections in law and procedure remain scant and often, members of the LGBTQIA+ communities face systemic barriers in accessing justice.

Pemberton committed one of the most brutal crimes against a transwoman in the country. Granting a presidential pardon to such a felon is an affront to the Laude family and the LGBTQIA+ community.
Pemberton’s express pardon exhibited double standards, lack of fairness, and the absence of empathy for the LGBTQIA+ community.

The Commission on Human Rights joins the call for the respect and protection of the rights of LGBTQIA+ community, especially those who continue to face abuse, discrimination, and indignities because of their Sexual Orientation, Gender Identity and Expression, and Sex Characteristics (SOGIESC).