Rape conviction overturned, Marine’s family awaits his return Smith left Manila shortly after ruling

The court’s decision sparked protests Thursday and Friday at the appeals court and the U.S. Embassy in Manila and drew angry statements from women’s rights organizations.

Representative Liza Maza of the Gabriela Women’s Party said she was disheartened, but not surprised at Smith’s acquittal. In an interview Thursday night with GMA News, a Philippine news and broadcasting company, she said the acquittal was part of a "grand scheme" by the U.S. and Philippine government officials to "save Smith and justify the Visiting Forces Agreement."