Women's groups won't support Deniece in rape case

MANILA, Philippines - Women's rights group Gabriela will not be extending any support to alleged rape victim Deniece Cornejo, in the meantime.

Bim dela Paz of Gabriela said  Cornejo's camp has yet to approach their group to ask for any kind of support regarding the criminal case she lodged against TV host Vhong Navarro.

"Hindi kami nilapitan ng kahit sino sa dalawang kampo kaya wala kaming first hand information para maging basis ng pagpahayag ng support," Dela Paz said in a text message.

She added that Gabriela is keeping its hands off Cornejo's case, saying that the group would still have to evaluate the situation.

"As a policy, hindi naglalabas ng statement ang organization unless may first hand knowledge sa case. Mahirap mag-base sa news reports kasi minsan iba or hindi kumpleto ang lumalabas," she said.

Asked if Gabriela would give support to Cornejo if she asks for it, Dela Paz said "we'll cross the bridge when we get there."

Meanwhile, another women's group, Tanggol Bayi, would not touch Cornejo's case.

Cristina Palabay of Tanggol Bayi said Cornejo and all those involved have the means to get lawyers to defend them in the event the case goes to court.

"We believe that Deniece and all the actors in the issue have all the resources at their disposal to defend themselves before the public and the courts.

"We'd rather focus our support on the plight of disadvantaged women-- those who have less in life and those who were rendered voiceless in the legal system  and in society- for they are the ones who deserve our unequivocal support," Palabay said.