Laude family’s lawyer files contempt raps vs AFP chief

MANILA, Philippines - Lawyer Harry Roque Jr. yesterday filed a petition for contempt before the Supreme Court against Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) chief of staff Gen. Gregorio Catapang.

In a 17-page petition, he accused Catapang and two other military officials of violating the confidentiality rule on disbarment proceedings when they announced the filing of their complaint against him with the Integrated Bar of the Philippines last week.

Specifically, the lawyer of the family of slain transgender woman Jeffrey “Jennifer” Laude asked the high court to cite Catapang, Camp Aguinaldo commander Brig. Gen. Arthur Ang and AFP spokesman Lt. Col. Harold Cabunoc for indirect contempt.

He also wanted the three AFP officials to be imprisoned for three months and fined with P30,000 each.

In its complaint against Roque filed last Nov. 4, the AFP accused Roque of violating the Code of Professional Responsibility when he accompanied Laude’s sister and his German boyfriend, when they breached the perimeter fence of Camp Aguinaldo on Oct. 22.

Sources at the Integrated Bar of the Philippines said the complaint against Roque was returned to the AFP over “defects.”