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On Subic case

Norma P. Dollaga
KASIMBAYAN Women’s Collective

January 6, 2006

Justice Raul Gonzales’ pronouncement regarding the case of US soldiers charged of raping a 22 year old Filipina is totally appalling!

His statement ,”We cannot arrest them and break the treaty unilaterally. That can become an unfriendly act with a country that is aligned with us” clearly manifests that our sovereignty and dignity as Filipino people is further threatened under the Secretary of Department of Justice - Raul Gonzales.

Likewise, Gloria Macapagal Arroyo has not issued a stronger and a decent stance castigating the heinous violence done by US servicemen to a Filipina.

The issue of custody of the US soldiers charged of raping a Filipino woman is a test of will and correct judgment of our government who is supposed to protect its citizenry from “visitors” preparing for war who themselves are doing violent acts to our people.

The US government never aligned with us with any pure and noble purpose. To protect its economic, political and cultural control over nations like Philippines, it has established its empire and is making deceitful moves to ensure its clout among peoples and waging unjust wars is but among its characteristics. Without doubt, the rape of our women and children will only escalate as long as there are states who are willing allies to the US in propping out wars of aggression.

The Philippine government should not negotiate with the US government at all, but demand for the custody of four servicemen accused of the rape. We should exercise and assert of our sovereignty lest we will never gain the respect of our own people and even the international community.

At this point, we should revive our call to junk the Visiting Forces Agreement—as it is being used to favor the interest of US  over the interest of our people and nation. #

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