Not once but thrice! Palace confirms Duterte gave money to Laude family

By Prince Golez

President Rodrigo Duterte provided financial assistance to the family of slain transgender woman Jennifer Laude thrice, Malacañang confirmed Monday.

“I can confirm only because Mrs. Laude already said na nakatanggap sila ng financial aid. Pero pagkabilin-bilin ng Presidente, hindi ko pinangangalandakan kung sino ang tinutulungan ko. But since nanggaling naman yan kay Mrs. Laude, I can confirm the President gave them financial aid three times,” Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque said in a televised briefing.

But, Roque refused to disclose the exact amount given to the victim’s family.

“‘Yung halaga bahala na po… wag na nating isapubliko dahil ayaw ngang ilabas sana ni Presidente yung tulong niya sa Laude family. Pero ang tulong niya ay tulong naman sa lahat ng nangangailangan,” he added.

The secretary, however, denied that Duterte made any promise that convicted killer US Marine Joseph Scott Pemberton will stay in jail for as long as he’s in power.

“Hindi po na meet ni Mrs. Laude ang ating Presidente. Ang alam ko, walang ganyang promise ang Presidente. Ang pangako ni Presidente, bibigyan ng katarungan ang pagkakamatay ni Jennifer Laude at nakulong naman si Pemberton halos anim na taon,” said Roque.

Duterte granted Pemberton absolute pardon last week, saying that the American soldier was not treated fairly and had to be released.

The post Not once but thrice! Palace confirms Duterte gave money to Laude family first appeared on Latest Philippine politics news today.

Source: Latest Politics News Today (Politics.com.ph)