2006-12-06 04:56:44 · 10 answers · asked by Well 5 in Travel ➔ Asia Pacific ➔ Philippines
5 to 10 for murder? Nope. More like 50 years to life but before it was the death penalty. There is even a backlog of death row convicts because the gov doesn't want to wipe'em out due to humanitarian reasons (lame :p). There was even a time when the mandatory sentence for a rape conviction was the electric chair.
Here's a link to the Phil. Penal Code: http://www.chanrobles.com/revisedpenalcodeofthephilippines.htm
Anyway, back to the topic. In my opinion the marine and the girl are both idiots. The marine for being drunk and taking advantage of a girl (what happened to military discipline and decorum?); and the girl for being drunk and stupid.
I think the 40 year thing is just for show. What's going to happen is this - after the issue dies down and the news networks and media find other things to generate ratings he'll be turned over to American MPs. Once he gets back he'll get court-martialled and sent to Fort Leavenworth. The penalty for rape under the Uniform Code of Military Justice is the death penalty. Either way he got himself into really deep ****.
2006-12-06 14:53:37 · answer #1 · answered by Ramon L 2 · 4⤊ 0⤋
I feel he should have been convicted. According to Philippine law not Americas law the others could not be convicted, but I think they had a moral obligation to intervene. I do not know I think the term of sentence was fair. I doubt very seriously if a person from the Philippines would have gotten a minimum of 40 years for rape. I resent those that make this an American/Philippine issue. One that responded labeled "all" Americans as having an attitude of disrespect for the people of the Philippines. That is far from the truth and the aid we give the people of the Philippines proves it. It is time that the people of the Philippines realize they really are not all that important to America. We do not need them for National Security, they do not have oil to sell us and anything they produce in the Philippines can be purchased elsewhere. I suppose the most important thing the Philippines does for America is provide us with nurses, but I bet India and other countries would step up to the plate if they should decide not to do so. We help the Philippines because we care about them and consider them friends. I regret that some from my country come abroad and act like fools but that is not the American way. Regardless of Nicole's character she did not deserve to be thrown to the curb with a condon stuck to her pants after being used. I certainly do not think this is the first time she has had sex with a foreigner or American military. I venture to say she has welcomed gifts and money from foreigners for sexual favors before. The only thing this case demonstrates is the damage and destruction alcohol can cause to ones life. Five young people have had their lives destroyed.
2006-12-06 21:09:09 · answer #2 · answered by tom1941 4 · 2⤊ 2⤋
Im a filipina but out of our philippines right now. I had heard the news regarding " nicole and smith " and read it on phil.newspaper.As i see things out I don't think this can be called rape cause if you are a descent woman you will not hang out on subic where you know its the place where most of Us marine were having night life.And when she was being interviewed on the television i don't see on her face any emotions that she was been abused as well as on the tone of her voice.Lets face it Arroyo's administration has lots of controversy right now especially in regards how corrupt the " first family " and everytime there is issue regarding with them or with connection on them...they will do all their best to find another issue for our country to talk to and put the interest of the Filipino people on it. So this nicole and smith issue was been a cover up on arroyo's issue.And 40 years i don't believe it...this was just all a hearsay....soon you will find out that smith was back in US.
2006-12-07 07:19:31 · answer #3 · answered by kimy 3 · 2⤊ 3⤋
I think if Nicole was "too drunk to give her consent", Maybe Mr. Smith was "too drunk to realise what he was doing"!
I also think a 40 year sentence is way dispropotunate for the crime. When people in this country get typically a 5 to 10 year sentence for MURDER, I fail to see how they can sentence this man to LIFE INPRISIONMENT for a allegid rape. "Good Girls" DO NOT hang around bars, especially in Subic Bay when the fleet is in. Needless to say, I have no faith in the Philippine Justice system.
2006-12-06 18:34:04 · answer #4 · answered by oneiloilojeepney 5 · 3⤊ 3⤋
from people i've talked to....a lot don't buy it actually... how can you get drunk with many guys to start with? they came from a bar and not a shopping mall....
if it's really rape, then it's about time, filipinas shouldn't be treated as prostitutes always but if it's not, poor smith, he's too good-looking to rot in jail. lol. lucky jail fags! Poor boy, such an awful christmas for him.
still, he will appeal to higher court so let's just see. Knowing the Phil. government... i don't wanna comment...
2006-12-07 08:43:34 · answer #5 · answered by поцелуй 4 · 4⤊ 3⤋
Its all TUPPERWARE, 40 years conviction, the guy is gonna be realsed in a few short months when another crisis distracts everyone's attention.......
2006-12-07 02:45:40 · answer #6 · answered by SHIH TZU SAYS 6 · 1⤊ 1⤋
up to what extent can one be charged with rape? What if i had sex with a prostitute from a bar, brothel, why would i be convicted, isn't that what they are there for, sex for hire? It isn't whether if she is a prostitute or a nun, but where she was picked up. Of course, any woman, or even man, can file rape charges, even to one's spouse, but what matters most is "nicole'was not picked up from the mall, church, or restaurant, but from a club where it is served as a front for prostitution.
even if they be my relavtives, even as religious preachers, but they were picked up from a bar or club, i won't support her if she says she was abused.Why in the first place was she doing in ther, preaching while consuming intoxicants and flirting with men? But if outside of it, even if that relative of mine is a real whore, i may consider it a case for rape.
2006-12-07 05:27:59 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 3⤋
It's about time that Americans know that Filipinos are not doormats - maybe they thought the girl will not press charges against them. Regardess of the woman's background, she should not be raped and violated. I think justice was served.
2006-12-06 18:24:51 · answer #8 · answered by aw03172001 3 · 2⤊ 3⤋
let's not be overwhelmed yet, bcoz based on the VFA (visiting forces agreement) he can still appeal his case and he would be in the custody of the us embassy. the VFA should be reviewed and revised coz much of it is in favor of the US.
2006-12-06 20:48:32 · answer #9 · answered by bluecross0924 4 · 2⤊ 1⤋
Very good!
2006-12-06 14:18:46 · answer #10 · answered by Dave Star 4 · 1⤊ 2⤋