Gabriela Solon Assails CA's Distorted Vision on Nicole Rape Case

Assistant Minority Leader and Gabriela Women’s Party Rep. Liza Maza today assailed the decision of the Court of Appeals Special Eleventh Division acquitting Lance Cpl. Daniel Smith of raping Nicole on Nov. 1, 2005 at the Subic Bay Freeport Zone.

“This Court of Appeals, with an all-female division at that, has committed a grave injustice to Filipino women in overturning the conviction of Smith. This is highly deplorable and their distorted vision branding the Nicole rape case as spontaneous, unplanned, romantic episode is painfully twisted,” Maza said.

The Gabriela Solon believes that with this ruling, the US and Malacañang script of absolving Smith and in effect justifying the US-RP Visiting Forces Agreement is complete.


“The stage for Smith's acquittal has been set up with the transfer of Smith from the Makati City Jail to the US Embassy, the footdragging of Malacañang in implementing the Supreme Court decision for the government to get custody of Smith, and the alleged recantation of Nicole,” Maza said.


Maza said that the partylist and women's organizations intend to pursue further legal moves at the Supreme Court and even up to the United Nations as parties of interest in the said issue.


“Rape is a public crime, and therefore Smith should be accountable to the Filipino women and the people. This case is imbued with public interest,” she added.

“Smith’s acquittal represents the continuing subservience of the Arroyo administration to the dictates of the US. Malacañang’s legacy of coddling rapists and criminals is unprecedented,” Maza stressed.