Nuns: No to reversal of ‘Nicole’ ruling
CONCERNED groups are closely watching developments in the controversial Subic rape case that is now under review by the Court of Appeals.
US Marine Lance Corporal Daniel Smith was convicted in 2006 by the Makati Regional Trial Court for raping a 22-year-old Filipino known only as “Nicole.”
A religious order, the Immaculate Heart of Mary (IHM), on Thurs-day asked the appellate court to remain firm amid supposed pressure and dictates from external powerful forces.
“We appeal to you to uphold the integrity of the Philippine judicial system and Philippine sovereignty by confirming the decision of the lower court,” the IHM said in a letter to Presiding Justice Conrado Vasquez Jr.
It added that the evidence is strong against Smith but expressed fear that “dictates from Malacañang or pressures/threats from the US Embassy will eventually result in the acquittal of Smith.”
“We are concerned that at least two justices have already inhibited themselves or resigned from handling the rape case for whatever reason or reasons,” the letter said.
Members of Task Force Subic Rape, an organization keeping watch over the controversial rape case, had also appealed to the justices’ sense of fairness and independence.
“We got information that a justice is preparing the decision to reverse [Makati Regional Trial Court] Judge Benjamin Pozon’s verdict,” said Yuen Abana of the Partido ng Manggawa, a part of the Task Force. “We are not entirely surprised because we saw how the US exerted pressure on the GMA [Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo] government just to have Smith turned over to them after the guilty verdict.” By William B. Depasupil, Manila Times
US Marine Lance Corporal Daniel Smith was convicted in 2006 by the Makati Regional Trial Court for raping a 22-year-old Filipino known only as “Nicole.”
A religious order, the Immaculate Heart of Mary (IHM), on Thurs-day asked the appellate court to remain firm amid supposed pressure and dictates from external powerful forces.
“We appeal to you to uphold the integrity of the Philippine judicial system and Philippine sovereignty by confirming the decision of the lower court,” the IHM said in a letter to Presiding Justice Conrado Vasquez Jr.
It added that the evidence is strong against Smith but expressed fear that “dictates from Malacañang or pressures/threats from the US Embassy will eventually result in the acquittal of Smith.”
“We are concerned that at least two justices have already inhibited themselves or resigned from handling the rape case for whatever reason or reasons,” the letter said.
Members of Task Force Subic Rape, an organization keeping watch over the controversial rape case, had also appealed to the justices’ sense of fairness and independence.
“We got information that a justice is preparing the decision to reverse [Makati Regional Trial Court] Judge Benjamin Pozon’s verdict,” said Yuen Abana of the Partido ng Manggawa, a part of the Task Force. “We are not entirely surprised because we saw how the US exerted pressure on the GMA [Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo] government just to have Smith turned over to them after the guilty verdict.” By William B. Depasupil, Manila Times
posted by OlongapoCity Zambales at
5:12 AM
5 Comments:
Here is how I see it.
If Smith is found guilty, then he does the time..
If these two justices have asked to be removed from this case, WHY???
Could it be that maybe, just maybe there is something missing from this case? Could it be that maybe, just maybr Smith did NOT get a fair trail/
Or could it be that these two justices did not want to be pressureed into making a bad choice for the case?
As many have said from the beginning, this case has two many holes in it and to many people both both in PI and many other countries feel that this case was not done correctly.
Only this Filipina and Smith know in their hearts what happened that night. This Filipina due to pressure from the local SBMA/Police and even her family maybe making a bad choice sending this young men to prison for a long time.
If she lied, then when she meets her maker, she will then pay the price for these lies. If Smith lied, he also will meet his maker in the end.
Bottom line is this. Can ANYONE actually say that this case was done by the book? Was there evidence that may have been tempered with?
If he is let go, the FIlipinos will be upset for a longtime. If he is found guilty and then this will also create problems for the Philippines if in fact he was found not guilty later.
By
BarrioRunner, at 7/25/2008 8:11 AM
I am wondering if the Immaculate heart of Mary is all Filipinas. Seems to me that now groups like these are getting invovled with this case and wonder why now.
I am wondering WHY they or ANY religious groups NEVER came forward when this case was in court?
How can the IHM come out and speak out without knowing if the truth has been heard or provided in this case?
As I said, if the facts were ALL there and NO evidance was hidden or people lied or threaten in any way to lie, then the outcome will be fair.
But to this day, I think this case was a joke and the world has seen how the Philippines continues to fail when it comes to proper justice for ALL.
This case is no different then the cases against the former Presidents and others who continue to, live free due to the connections they have.
Fair is fair and I think Smith did not get a fair trial. "Nicole" IMHO lied and did so many others.
I hope the IHM will pray for her and Smith as when they meet their makers, the truth will come out and those that lied will be having very long "Hot" days down below.
By
BarrioRunner, at 7/25/2008 10:41 AM
I would like to know why there is a big deal with this case, and not the case in subic on sbma that 5 policemen sexually molested an 18 year old filipina (June2008)? Also, they(policemen stole 8,000php from her and put handcuffs on and tore her clothes off? Wrong is wrong diba? Are they covering that up because it's there own people & they know they can't get any large amount of money from the so called Police? I hope that the young woman don't be afraid and press charges without fear! Maybe, then people will wake up in the philippines and not relying on the almighty foreigners!!!
By
Anonymous, at 8/08/2008 12:39 AM
I am wondering what the fuss is all about? If a crime was committed it will come out in the justice system!! Now, what about the other rapes/sexually molested crimes in the philippines? Why don't they make a big fuss about them? Like the one in (June08) where, right on SBMA itself, by whom? 5 policemen. Why, because they know they can't get a large sum of money from the policemen? I hope that the young girl 18 years old have enough guts to press charges and sue them and the city!! And I hope all these righteous people will protect her from those who might think of hurting her for exposing the truth. I do not have no respect for people in uniform whom will disgrace the uniform. They are there to protect and serve! Whatever happened to that story? Hushed up or what? Thanks.
By
Anonymous, at 8/08/2008 12:55 AM
C. I would like to know why is everyone so upset over the smith's case? Is it because he is a foreigner translated to money? Every rape/sexually molested case sure receive the same or more publicity outcry! Just like the sexually molested 18 year old girl walking to the main gate inside SBMA and accosted by 5 SBMA policemen, which ended in being handcuffed,robbed of 8,000php, clothes torn off, and sexually molested. Whatever happened to protect and serve? I guess they don't want to examine this case because they know they can't get money from these people. I hope that this young girl have enough guts to see this thing through and bring charges against them and the SBMA! I find it ironic that no one wants to discuss this topic when it involves there own kind(pinoys) diba? I hope they will bring light to this issue! Justice is justice! Please lets police ourselves before we make fools of our system! Protect all from these horrendous crimes.
By
Anthony, at 8/08/2008 1:16 AM
Post a Comment
<< Home