‘Nicole’ seen as ‘scapegoat’ in ‘conspiracy’

MANILA,Philippines – (UPDATE 2) The Arroyo administration should be blamed formaking the Filipina raped by a US Marine in 2005 a “scapegoat” for thecontentious Visiting Forces Agreement (VFA), a lawmaker said Wednesdaywhile another alleged that there could be a “conspiracy” to “derail thePhilippine justice system,” among others.

“My sense is 'Nicole’is being made a scapegoat for the VFA,” Gabriela partylistRepresentative Liza Maza said in a phone interview, referring to thecourt-appointed name of the victim.