My Take on The "Nicole" Case

Many people were surprised with the recent events that have transpired about the "Nicole" Subic Rape Case. I was among those people who cannot believe that she recanted her statement after two years of claiming that she was raped (and after Smith was convicted).

A lot of things bother me about the case one of which is the fact that she went to the US without so much as taking the time to inform her then lawyer. From where I stand, it seems that Delicadeza is not one of her values.

I've done some blog-hopping to see how people feel about the sudden turn of events and I saw some posts as well as news articles about the case dating back to 2006.

One article which can be found here already indicated that her injuries are not consistent with sexual assault. This statement was given during the time Nicole (and her mother) called the prosecution panel as incompetent. This already sounded quite alarming as this contradicts her stand that she was indeed raped. Looking at it now, we probably should have listened to the doctor.

Several fora even questioned the fact that (1) she was at a bar known for being a place for people looking for a "good time"and (2) she was drinking heavily. Regardless whether she was young and was "experimenting", prudence dictates that you don't go out with people you don't know lest you court danger. Di ba nga pag bata ka pa, your parents would always warn you not to talk to strangers?

Another article, from Inquirer.net this time, mentioned that Nicole and her family do not want to pursue the case anymore because there is no justice in the Philippines.

I, for one, do not trust our government much BUT I wouldn't say that they are the worst. No government is perfect. Heck! I would go for Philippine government anytime. I wouldn't deny that government support is lacking on her case BUT to have Smith convicted is already a point for us!

I find it difficult to digest that Nicole recanted because the government does not support her. Heck! You already got a conviction! You just need to continue fighting! Besides, would it matter if the government supports you or not? If they do, they would fight for you. If they don't, then you can show the world that Filipinas cannot be taken for granted just because no one supports them. Did the government support the case of the comfort women? To some extent, yes. But the rest of the fight lies on these comfort women themselves. Just like in the case of Nicole, the rest of the fight lies in her, not in the Philippine government. Your halfway through the battle, why waste it all by surrendering?

We were, indeed, taken for a ride! (I wonder how those people who were insistent that she was raped felt about her recantation?)


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