Statement – Downgrading tantamount to acquittal

We are angered by the DOJ's decision to downgrade the case against the three US marines accused in the Subic rape case.

By extending a swift and favorable decision in favor of the suspects, (In-)Justice Sec. Raul Gonzalez adds insult to injury. The victim's demand for justice was trivialized while the perpetrators of this heinous crime are still left unpunished.

We believe that the downgrading of the case against Duplantis, Silkwood and Carpentier is tantamount to acquitting them. Most probably, it is a prelude to other maneuvers in the case that will eventually lead to the absolution of the suspects and even demonizing the victim herself.

Filipino women will not let this pass quietly. Not only is it an affront to women who suffer violence in many forms, it is an insult to national sovereignty that our justice system no longer protects the women of this nation but the foreign perpetrators of violence in the protective embrace of the Visiting Forces Agreement.

We will hold Gonzalez, the DOJ and the Arroyo government itself accountable for conspiring with the criminals who are protected by US and Philippine government authorities.

For reference:

Kaira Zoe Alburo
GABRIELA-Cebu