Goldberg: US-Philippines alliance to overcome challenges

MANILA, Philippines - Amid strained ties caused by the alleged murder committed by an American soldier, United States Ambassador to Manila Philip Goldberg assured on Monday that the US-Philippines alliance will not falter.

In his speech during the 70th year anniversary of the Leyte Gulf landing, Goldberg said the US continues to renew and expand its partnership with the Philippines, which has a Mutual Defense Treaty (MDT) with the US.

Goldberg said the MDT is "a pillar of our relationship and a source of stability in the region."

"And as I look ahead, I know we will be faced with challenges and uncertainties. But just as was the case 70 years ago, we will prevail," he said.

Goldberg added that the alliance of the two nations is based on their shared values of courage, mutual respect and freedom.

"There can be no doubt that by working together, we will meet any challenge, no matter how great," the American envoy said.

The ties between the two nations is again being tested as US Marines Private First Class Joseph Scott Pemberton faces accusations that he killed 26-year-old transgender Jennifer Laude in a motel in Olongapo City.

The incident has sparked public anger in the Philippines and revived a debate over the US military presence in a country, which signed an Enhanced Cooperation Agreement in April giving American troops greater access to Philippine bases.

American authorities are cooperating in the investigation, and have ordered the USS Peleliu, where Pemberton is supposedly holed up, to stay at the Subic Bay Freeport, until the probe is completed. American investigators have worked with the Philippine police, but have not made public any details surrounding the case.

On Sunday, the US Embassy said it was up to Pemberton whether to appear on Tuesday, depending on the advice of his Philippine lawyers. Under local laws, he could be represented by his lawyers at the initial hearing, but any non-appearance might spark more criticism about the government's inability to gain custody of him.

"The United States continues to fully cooperate and collaborate with Philippine authorities in all aspects of the case," the embassy said.

Philippine officials have sought to limit any fallout from Laude's killing, describing it as an isolated case unrelated to the treaty alliance.

"We are very committed to this relationship," State Department spokeswoman Marie Harf said Friday in Washington. - with Jim Gomez, the Associated Press