Justice Secretary Leila de Lima. INQUIRER FILE PHOTO
MANILA, Philippines—Regardless of the custody battle, Justice Secretary Leila de Lima said the US government should produce Lance Corporal Joseph Scott Pemberton before the Olongapo Regional Trial Court for his appearance on Friday.
“Irrespective of the issue of custody and the VFA (Visiting Forces Agreement), US authorities have a commitment to make him available to proceedings like that. That one is not subject to debate,” De Lima said Thursday.
She said, “I am sure the US authorities would realize the implications or repercussions if they refuse to produce Pemberton.”
Pemberton is scheduled to appear before the Olongapo RTC Branch 74 on Friday following the issuance of the warrant for his arrest.
He was charged with murder for the death of Filipino transgender Jeffrey “Jennifer” Laude.
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