PRESS RELEASE: Australia’s Forgotten Man- Open Letter to PM

Dear PM
Further to my previous email about Troy Birthisel, who is an Australian in Cebu jail in the Philippines, I would like to update you on behalf of the family and with the permission of Troy through his brother Todd in Gladstone.
A brief background as you know his history. Todd was arrested with his Singaporean partner at Cebu Airport in October 2013. After 50 or more appearances in court, a trial was finally set for May 2022 and he faced Philippine justice after 8 years. The judge ordered both parties to file submissions and extra time was granted as the process slowed with COVID-19 interventions. Submissions were finally in by February this year and the judge asked for time to consider them with an August timeline after his family requested it. The family was told last week by an Australian Consulate Officer that the judge still had not determined his future.
I have read the court documents of the trial and witnesses have all confessed that they were frightened of losing their passports at the time of arrest so lied to officials and no one has accused Todd of any wrongdoing at the trial. In fact, there were no submissions from the prosecution that I or the family are aware of so why is he still there? He is the FORGOTTEN AUSTRALIAN and because he has no public profile and no network at your level, then he is ignored.
I have given over 20 years of service as a Justice of the Peace in Australia so that the law is respected and I am representing the ordinary civilian of our nation. I am well aware that we can’t interfere with Philippine Law but when is enough, enough? The man has lost 10 years of his life living in squalid conditions on loans from our government and yet we can’t approach President Marcos and ask why can’t he be released. I fear he will die there and we all have to live with that. Please help!
Sincerely
Brian Murphy
2 Tanby Crt
Mudgeeraba Q4213