Palace bares options on rape case
MALACAÑANG is not taking no for an answer to its request for custody of the four American soldiers accused of raping a 22-year-old Filipina in Subic.
Executive Secretary Eduardo Ermita yesterday said a review of the Visiting Forces Agreement and diplomatic-level discussions are among the options being considered.
"We're going by what is written in the VFA. We were advised appropriately by the DFA(Department of Foreign Affairs) and DoJ(Department of Justice)," he said.
In a note verbale, the US Embassy said it will keep custody of the soldiers but promised to cooperate for the speedy resolution of the case, including presenting the US servicemen in court proceedings.
Justice Secretary Raul Gonzalez admitted that custody of the accused can be waived but maintained that the jurisdiction of the case remains with the Philippine government.
Press Secretary Ignacio Bunye appealed against turning the issue into another emotional debate between the US and the Philippines, saying the government is banking on the US government's assurance of full cooperation on the case.
"We assure every interested party of a speedy and fair trial of the case," he said.
Meanwhile, President Arroyo's allies at the House of Representatives recommended diplomatic action against the US Embassy's refusal to accept the arrest warrants.
"It shows the US does not trust our justice system. Para namang sinampal na tayo, binatukan pa," said Antique Rep. Exequiel Javier. "They have already violated the rights of our 22-year-old compatriot, we should not allow them to violate our national dignity. They cannot just bully us around," he added.
Tess Bedico , People's Journal
Executive Secretary Eduardo Ermita yesterday said a review of the Visiting Forces Agreement and diplomatic-level discussions are among the options being considered.
"We're going by what is written in the VFA. We were advised appropriately by the DFA(Department of Foreign Affairs) and DoJ(Department of Justice)," he said.
In a note verbale, the US Embassy said it will keep custody of the soldiers but promised to cooperate for the speedy resolution of the case, including presenting the US servicemen in court proceedings.
Justice Secretary Raul Gonzalez admitted that custody of the accused can be waived but maintained that the jurisdiction of the case remains with the Philippine government.
Press Secretary Ignacio Bunye appealed against turning the issue into another emotional debate between the US and the Philippines, saying the government is banking on the US government's assurance of full cooperation on the case.
"We assure every interested party of a speedy and fair trial of the case," he said.
Meanwhile, President Arroyo's allies at the House of Representatives recommended diplomatic action against the US Embassy's refusal to accept the arrest warrants.
"It shows the US does not trust our justice system. Para namang sinampal na tayo, binatukan pa," said Antique Rep. Exequiel Javier. "They have already violated the rights of our 22-year-old compatriot, we should not allow them to violate our national dignity. They cannot just bully us around," he added.
Tess Bedico , People's Journal
posted by OlongapoCity Zambales at
8:43 AM
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