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A few good men

The resignation of Prosecutor Prudencio Jalandoni brought about by Justice Secretary Raul Gonzales’ decision to downgrade the charges against the three American servicemen in the Subic rape case is indeed surprising as it exposes the screaming partiality of Sec. Gonzales for the foreign servicemen.

The servicemen, were positively identified by the victim and the driver of the van, as being present when the alleged rape was committed and they were urging and cheering their compatriot Lance Cpl. Daniel Smith, the principal defendant, through the heinous act. Their simple confirmed presence and their inaction to prevent the rape certainly warrants a higher charge than just being accessories.

Furthermore, the suggestion of Sec. Gonzales to charge the Filipino driver as an accomplice shows Gonzales’ double standards and again his bias. If the driver can be charged as an accomplice, why should the 3 servicemen be charged for lesser counts? As Prosecutor Jalandoni said, “Just because they are Americans, they are above the law?”

The Justice Sec. Gonzales should be supportive of the efforts of the Filipino prosecution team instead of publicly discussing his dissenting opinion on the details of the case. His action only further demoralizes “the few good men” in the legal system. On top is the waning faith of people on the Philippine Justice system as the executive branch continues to stick its finger in.

Lastly, if there is anyone who should resign, it should be Sec. Gonzales and not Prosecutor Jalandoni; for his subservience to Uncle Sam therefore betraying the Filipina rape victim as well as the Filipinos at large.#

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