The Irony That is Nicole (Part 2)

The headlines in the papers this morning carried stories that "Nicole", the rape victim of US Serviceman Daniel Smith, has made an affidavit before leaving for the US last week recanting her allegation that she was raped by Smith, thereby exonerating the American from the crime charged.

This is indeed was a surprise to many, especially for those who actively and contnuously supported her throughout her ordeal. Her decision to move to permanently move to the US came as a shock, which was immediately followed by thsi recent development. Lawyers for Smith are now saying that they will inform the Court of Appeals of this new affidavit, and they argue that this may very well turn the tides of the case in their favor. However, some quarters argue, in particular the government prosecutors and those who are opposed to the VFA, that the affidavit will have no effect in the case, and it would be wrong for the CA to consider the affidavit of desistance.

Whatever the legal effect of the affidavit may be, and whether or not it contains truth or falsehood, one cannot help but speculate that the long arms of US supremacy and influence have once again reached our shores. The US once again flexed its muscle to ensure that one problem against it would get out of hand. More than ensuring that their citizen Smith does not rot in Philippine jails, the US would not want public sentiment against the VFA to each an enourmous proportion such that the Philippine government would be forced to cancel the treaty. The US would not want this to happen since it will lose a valuable ally in the South East Asian region, especially since China has in recent years been very aggressive in the region. Without the VFA, it would lose the capability to respond against Chinese aggression from the Philippine territory.

I hope that the Philippines does not once again give in to American dominance and influence. I have nothing against the US: I just hope that the Philippines first protect the intrests of its people before giving in to US demands and requests. Though the USmay indeed be a very valuable ally, the government should always, always put Filipino interests, welfare, and concerns first.