Press Release
March 19, 2009

Press statement of Senator Loren Legarda

On Nicole recanting rape charge vs Smith

It cannot be discounted that extreme pressures may have been applied on "Nicole" for her to recant her statement at the risk of inviting perjury and other charges against her. This is because hers was not a simple case, but was one which had implications on the controversial Visiting Forces Agreement (VFA) between the Philippines and the United States.

Her leaving for the US also raises questions because if it is true that she may have wrongfully accused Lance Corporal Smith of raping her, why would she choose to live in the native land of the man she may have wronged? There's more than meets the eye on this issue and we should not be quick to condemn her.

On threat to behead Red Cross worker

Such an action would run against everything the civilized world stands for, more so since the kidnapped Red Cross workers were in Mindanao to help its people. I appeal for sobriety and for apause before something that cannot be undone happens.

Our government must do what must be done only after thoroughly assessing the situation. But whatever decision it makes, it must be decisive and resolute in seeing it through because government must not cave in to the demands of lawless elements and terrorists.

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