Mark Clarence Gelvino, also known as "Barbie", on
Tuesday stood as witness of the prosecution panel in the continuation of the
hearing on the criminal case against US Marine Lance Corporal Joseph Scott
Pemberton, who is charged of murder on the death of Filipino transgender
Jennifer Laude last year in this city.
Lawyer Virgie Suarez, the legal counsel for the family of
the victim, said Gelvino, in his testimony, positively pointed to and
identified Pemberton from among the people inside the court room as the person
who joined them inside the bar in Magsaysay
Drive
Gelvino was described as a calm and very relaxed witness who
showed consistency in his testimonies.
“The trial went well. We are happy how the trial went,”
Suarez said.
The prosecution panel also presented Monday Elias Aran
Gallamos, a room boy of Celzone Lodge and was described by the prosecution as
their star witness to the case.
During the direct examination, Gallamos narrated that there
was no other person except for Pemberton who entered Celzone Lodge before and
after the time when the lifeless body of the victim was found.
Meanwhile, Suarez reiterated that no plea bargaining
agreement will happen unless it will be permitted by Judge Roline Jinez Jabalde,
who is presiding over the case.
On the reported P21 million for damages as part of the plea
bargaining agreement, she denied that the idea came from the Laude family.
“The family did not offer nor ask for anything,” she said.
Malou Laude, the sister of victim, clarified that the issue
on the P21 million was merely the possible amount that the court may ask the
accused (Pemberton) to pay for the family of the Laude.
“Whether it is murder or lowered to homicide, the damage may
be set for P21 million. We believe that this is not part of the plea
bargaining, as we stood firm that Pemberton should be put behind bars,” Malou
Laude said.
Meanwhile, the victim’s mother Julita and sister Malou were
not allowed to attend the trial and were ordered to leave the court room as
they both possible witnesses to the case.
The next trial is set on April 13 and 14 where the
prosecutor will present a security guard as witness.
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