MANILA, Philippines (UPDATED) — The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) on Tuesday filed a disbarment complaint against Harry Roque, the lead counsel in the murder case against a United States Marine.
Legal representatives from the military filed the complaint before the Integrated Bar of the Philipines, arguing that Roque violated the Code of Professional Responsibility.
At 2:00 pm today, the AFP has filed a disbarment complaint against Atty. Harry Roque before the Integrated Bar of the Philippines.
— Ranger Cabunzky (@HaroldCabunoc94) November 4, 2014 In the complaint, Roque is accused of inappropriate behavior inside military headquarters Camp Aguinaldo in Quezon City two weeks ago.
Roque's accompanied his clients, the sister and German boyfriend of slain transgender Jeffrey "Jennifer" Laude, when the two breached the perimeter fence on October 22.
The AFP said that Roque, a well-known lawyer, is always in the public eye and must live up to the standards of his profession.
"He must refrain from doing any act that might lessen the confidence and trust reposed by the public in the fidelity, honesty and integrity of the legal profession," the military said in a statement.
AFP spokesperson Lt. Col. Harold Cabunoc said Roque subjected soldiers "to his tirades" when his clients were cited with violations.
The legal action against Roque would depend on the recommendation of the Judge Advocate General’s Office, Cabunoc said.
In a statement Monday, Roque expressed confidence he could defend himself against the charges against him.
"It's good [the] AFP filed [a] disbarment complaint against me. It will clarify a lawyer’s role in pushing victims rights and national sovereignty. On my part, I will file graft charges [against the] AFP," the lawyer said.