Laude lawyer to file graft case vs AFP

MANILA, Philippines - The lawyer of the family of slain transgender "Jennifer" Laude said he will counter the disbarment complaint against him by the Armed Forces of the Philippines with graft charges against the military.

 

Lawyer Harry Roque said he welcomes the disbarment against him as "it will clarify a lawyer's role in pushing victims' rights and national sovereignty."

 

"On my part, I will file charges vs AFP. It's graft when they allow United States to have custody over (US Marine Pfc. Joseph Scott) Pemberton in Aguinaldo. If they win, I will be disbarred. If I win, they end up in jail," Roque said in his blog.

 

The AFP said it will file disbarment case against Roque before the Integrated Bar of the Philippines for the incident inside the military headquarters in Camp Aguinaldo where Laude's German fiance, Marc Sueselbeck, and sister, Marilou, climbed over the fence surround the facility where Pemberton is detained.

 

Pemberton is the principal suspect in the killing of Laude inside a motel in Subic, Zambales.

 

AFP spokesperson Lt. Col. Harold Cabunoc said Roque deceived the guards whom he informed that he and the members of the Laude family were just coming to see him in his office but went straight to where Pemberton is being held.

 

Aside from graft, Roque said he will also file contempt charges against those who have repeatedly and threatened him with disbarment.

 

"(The) AFP should be taught what a civilian officer of the court stands for," Roque said.