Visiting Forces Agreement did not kill the transgender

Amid calls for abrogation of Visiting Forces Agreement, Department of Foreign Affairs maintained that accord has served “national interest” of country.

Charles Jose believed that VFA served national interest, and this does not mean that VFA have killed the Filipino transgender “Laude” said by the spokesman on a radio interview.

Charles also added that if not with VFA, our country would not have a criminal jurisdiction over the United States PFC Pemberton, suspect of the brutal killing of the Filipino transgender “Laude.”

The said transgender was found dead inside the bathroom of a Motel in the City of Olongapo, if there were no VFA PFC might be in total immunity. But since the VFA was agreed we the Filipino authorities able to conduct investigation to the suspect, our country has the criminal jurisdiction over the suspect.

Pemberton the suspect of the killing is now on the joint Philippine American camp at Aguinaldo, does he could not leave our country while the investigation goes on.

Though the suspect (Pemberton) failed to appear and submit its official statement on his preliminary investigation last October 21, and 27, the suspect’s lawyers appearance in the court was an indication alone that they are willing to cooperate.