'Nicole' a scapegoat to save VFA -- lawmaker

Lawmakers on Wednesday expressed shock over the recantation of Subicrape victim "Nicole", with one party-list congresswoman saying that theyoung Filipina would be used as a scapegoat to save a controversialdefense treaty between the Philippines and the United States.

Gabriela party-list Rep. Liza Maza said she personally believes thatNicole was raped by Lance Corporal Daniel Smith in November 2005. "Shetalked to us personally asking for help, saying that a rape happenedand that Daniel Smith should pay," Maza said in an ANC interview.Maza said Nicole’s recantation is meant to create the atmospherethat would ultimately lead to the dismissal of the case against Smith.

"Nicole will also be made into a scapegoat instead of placing the blame on the lopsided Visiting Forces Agreement," she added.