Roque believes Duterte has in mind national interest, such as COVID-19 vaccine, for Pemberton’s pardon

September 10, 2020

Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque expressed belief on Thursday that President Rodrigo Duterte has in his mind a "higher national interest," such as the possibly of getting coronavirus vaccine from the United States, for granting US Marine Lance Corporal Joseph Scott Pemberton an absolute pardon.

With this, Roque said he was not surprised  why Duterte made such a decision.

"The truth is, I was no longer surprised. Why? Because I know that there is a higher or more important national interest that the President needs to protect," he said in a televised press briefing.

"But in this time of pandemic, let us not forget that only four countries are developing the (COVID-19) vaccine and we noticed that the President is really giving emphasis on the need to have a vaccine. And in my view, the decision of the President - this is my personal opinion since you have asked about my personal opinion - the giving of pardon to Pemberton is part of the President's desire that when there is already a vaccine that the US developed, the Philippines can also benefit," Roque explained.

Roque acted as a legal counsel for the family of transgender woman Jennifer Laude who was killed by Pemberton in a motel in 2014.

Prior to Duterte's granting of pardon to Pemberton, when an Olongapo City regional trial court ordered the release of the US serviceman, Roque likened Laude's death to the death of Philippine sovereignty.

Despite Duterte's granting of pardon to Pemberton, Roque, however, insisted that he shared the President's decision to terminate the Visiting Forces Agreement with the US, although the termination process has been suspended for six months amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

Asked of the likelihood that Duterte might change his mind of not pushing anymore for the abrogation of the military treaty with the US, Roque said, "Let's see because we're still in the first six months of the extension of the abrogation. And the President said that it is renewable for another six month.

"So, there is one year deferment of the abrogation. So, let's see what will be the decision after this one year period," said Roque.

Duterte has said he did not need to explain why he granted Pemberton a pardon since it is within his power. But he noted that the US Marine was treated "unfairly." Celerina Monte/DMS