2014 R - 152 - EXPRESSING PROFOUND SYMPATHY AND CONDOLENCES TO THE BEREAVED FAMILY OF SLAIN TRANSGENDER WOMAN JEFFREY “JENNIFER” LAUDE AND URGING THE NATIONAL GOVERNMENT TO ENSURE THAT PROMPT JUSTICE WILL BE SERVED

   EXCERPTS FROM THE MINUTES OF THE REGULAR SESSION   OF THE SANGGUNIANG PANLUNGSOD OF OLONGAPO, 

HELD ON OCTOBER 22, 2014 

AT THE CITY HALL.

PRESENT:

Hon. Rodel S. Cerezo --City Vice-Mayor & Presiding Officer

Hon. Eduardo J. Piano- City Councilor

Hon. Aquilino Y. Cortez, Jr.-    “      “

Hon. Eduardo G. Guerrero- -    “     “

Hon. Benjamin G. Cajudo II-   “      “

Hon. Elena C. Dabu- -  “     “

Hon. Noel Y. Atienza- -  “     “       

Hon. Alreuela M. Bundang-Ortiz -  “    “

Hon. Edna A. Elane-   “     “

Hon. Emerito Linus D. Bacay-  “    “

Hon. Randy C. Sionzon- - President, Liga ng mga Barangay

Hon. Egmidio M. Gonzales, Jr.- Indigenous Peoples Mandatory Representative

ABSENT:

Hon. Eyrma Yvette D. Marzan-Estrella-  City Councilor (Sick Leave)

                                  

RESOLUTION NO. 152

(Series of 2014)

A RESOLUTION EXPRESSING PROFOUND SYMPATHY AND CONDOLENCES TO THE BEREAVED FAMILY OF SLAIN TRANSGENDER WOMAN JEFFREY “JENNIFER” LAUDE AND URGING THE NATIONAL GOVERNMENT TO ENSURE THAT PROMPT JUSTICE  WILL BE SERVED

WHEREAS, the Philippine Government enters into defense agreement with the United States of America through the Visiting Forces Agreement and the Enhance Defense Cooperation Agreement;

WHEREAS, with these agreements, US Military personnel were allowed to conduct activities or temporary stay in the Philippines to conduct mutual defense trainings such as Amphibious Landing Exercise or PHILBEX;

WHEREAS, US Navy Ships regularly conduct port visit in Subic Bay Freeport Zone, being the former US Naval Base for the rest and recreation (R & R) of their personnel, replenish their supplies, and repair of their ships;

WHEREAS, this year’s PHILBEX brings the USS Peleliu (LHA - 5) Expeditionary Strike Group to Subic Bay Freeport Zone for their R & R and, Olongapo City being the host city of the former US Naval Base, welcome the US servicemen hoping that their stay will provide additional boost to the economy of Olongapo;

WHEREAS, Olongapeños were shocked and deeply saddened by the tragic death of Filipino transgender woman Jeffrey “Jennifer” Laude allegedly by a suspected US serviceman;

WHEREAS, while we in Olongapo acknowledge the benefits of a Port of call of US Navy Ships in our local economy, we condemn this gruesome act against our fellow Filipino and we are united in demanding for the swift justice in the killing of Jennifer Laude;

WHEREAS, the National Government through the Visiting Forces Agreement Commission, Department of Foreign Affairs and Department of Justice have the jurisdictions in such cases we enjoin these government offices to act and seek swift justice for Jennifer before or within the one-year limit set forth in the VFA agreement;

NOW, THEREFORE, with the unanimous accord of the Members of the Sangguniang Panlungsod present,

RESOLVED, AS IT IS HEREBY RESOLVED, by the Sangguniang Panlungsod in session assembled to express as it hereby expresses profound sympathy and condolences to the bereaved family of slain transgender Woman Jeffrey “Jennifer” Laude and urging the National Government to ensure that prompt justice will be served.

Let copy of this Resolution be furnished to the family of Jeffrey “Jennifer” Laude, Department of National Defense, Department of Foreign Affairs and the Department of Justice for their information and prompt action.

APPROVED UNANIMOUSLY, October 22, 2014.