WeDpro, Inc. Empowering women, youth, and their communities

Press Statement
March 16, 2009

US – Arroyo Compromise Agreement:
A Scheme to Douse People’s Outrage against the VFA

The United States government is visibly afraid of the people’s outrage that may imperil the VFA and the US’ strategic interests in the Philippines and in Asia that are being protected by US’ military forces here.

Obama’s call to Mrs. Gloria Macapagal Arroyo, and Malacaňang’s announcement yesterday that the US and the Philippine governments are working towards a compromise agreement are not unrelated incidents. These and the unending efforts of both governments to influence the courts, to co-opt Nicole and her family, are moving in a single direction. The US government has consistently defended its own interests and protected its own citizens, thus undermining our justice system, whereas the GMA government has slavishly conceded and treacherously abandoned its duty to uphold national sovereignty and protect the rights and dignity of our people, especially our women

Task Force Subic Rape is not surprised. From the start, this collusion has been blatant. The authorities turned over the American suspects to US officials even before negotiations took place. No less than the “Justice” Secretary cast doubt whether the rape actually took place. Government officials persisted throughout the judicial proceedings in persuading Nicole and her family to settle out of court. A pay-off was even offered with promises of comfort and resettlement in the US.

But Nicole’s case has blown open the infirmities and inequities of the VFA. This situation has now scared the US government because the issues are clearly tied up with the growing political demand for the abrogation of the VFA. This political issue can not be ignored now.

However insidious are the machinations of the US government and the Arroyo administration, the Filipino women and the people as a whole are determined to fight for justice in the Subic Rape Case and for the abrogation of the VFA. This is a fight to end violence against women and the Filipino people, not only because of the rape of Nicole but also because the rights and safety of Filipino women and the rest of the population are at risk under the VFA.

We still look to the Court of Appeals that is poised to render its decision on the conviction of the rapist US soldier, Daniel Smith, to continue to uphold the integrity and independence of the judicial system. We hope they will not disappoint us.

We have stood by Nicole throughout this case as we have stood for the rights of the Filipino people. We shall continue the fight.

VFA—Salot sa Kababaihan! Salot sa Bayan!

VFA—Ibasura!

Reference: Yuen Abana - 09162811934
Lotlot Requizo – 09178606650
Pangging Santos - 09156484638