GABRIELA Condemns Rape by Mayor; Supports Fight of 12-year-old Victim (PR)

NEWS RELEASE
17 September 2010

Militant women’s group GABRIELA expresses its strong condemnation of the rape of a 12-year-old girl by San Marcelino, Zambales Mayor Jose Rodriguez.

“We call for the immediate arrest and persecution of the perpetrator. Any delay in carrying out measures to exact justice for the victim by the police and the court is as good as condoning the disgusting act,” said Lana Linaban, GABRIELA secretary general.

Reports say that the victim was brought to the rest house of Rodriguez on September 12 by a pimp identified only as “Jodie”.

“That Rodriguez is a man in power and a supposed public servant makes the act even more repulsive. What Rodriguez did to the victim was a heinous crime, and should be swiftly punished lest the government wants to embolden similar acts,” added Linaban.

The victim and her mother already filed against Rodriguez violations of the Anti-Trafficking in Persons Act of 2003 (Republic Act No. 9208) and Anti-Child Abuse Act (RA 7610).

GABRIELA, however, maintained that Rodriguez should also be held for violation of the Anti-Rape Law of 1997 since specific elements of rape including grave abuse of authority was present during the perpetration of the crime. Reports also quote the victim as saying that the mayor forced himself unto her.

The group also calls for immediate administrative sanctions against Rodriguez.

“We support the fight of the victim and her family. We will definitely monitor the case and we are willing to extend help and assistance to the victim and her family, such as assistance on the legal case and post-trauma counseling. We will not stop even with the conviction of Rodriguez. In our country’s experience, influential men such as Romeo Jaloslos, though found guilty for raping a minor, did not serve his full sentence and was given a parole. Worst, while inside prison, he enjoyed VIP rooms and services,” said Linaban.

Jalosjos was sentenced to two life terms for raping an 11-year-old girl in 1996. However, then President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo commuted Jalosjos sentence and gave him parole in 2009.

“This Zambales rape case is another litmus test for the barely 100-day old administration of Aquino. Will he ensure justice for the victim, or will he remain mum, like he is on almost all fundamental issues that beset the nation?” stated Linaban.

REFERENCE:
Lana Linaban
Secretary General
GABRIELA National Office