The rape never ended

I was really surprised or partly shocked when the news came out that "Nicole" did recant her statements saying that she now has doubts whether shes have indeed been raped by LCP Daniel Smith. Partly because it is really hard to believe. Her former lawyer does not believe that it is her own words that is on the affidavit. The judge who originally decided on the case also says that her newest statement draws more questions than answers.

Amidst the haze brought by Nicole's statements is the variety of people's response to the news. Sadly, some say that Nicole has ruined the Filipinos and her recantation doesn't undo the wrong she has already done. Others say their sympathy for her when she was staunchly fighting for justice has now turned into disgust for letting the people believe that she was a victim and now telling them she was not.

For all she have gone through and still going through, it seems to me, that for Nicole the rape never did stop that unfortunate night in the van. She have continuously been victimized not only by Smith who raped her but by the Arroyo government who never did genuinely believed and supported her. They are, of course, more concerned about the government's relationship with the US and the efficacy of the VFA. In fact, the government lead by the DOJ Secretary often criticized her and until now has find ways to discredit her and those who support her.

It is not proper to judge her because of what she did. She did fought but being a victim under the present ruling system in our country is not an easy situation to be in. You will not find favor if you are victim here in our country. It is too easy for victims to succumb to the constant pressures and yes possibly she did succumb.

Possibly in her mind the rape never did end because the government perpetuated it by favoring the US and Smith.

Also, the rape has not ended for us Filipinos who continue to live under the present conditions of our country and under subservience to the US.

The Filipinos like Nicole are a continuing victim.