Justice chief rejects 'Vanessa's' reasons for not pressing raps against alleged rapist

MANILA, Philippines — Justice Secretary Raul Gonzalez on Friday said the 22-year-old woman who claimed that she was raped by a US serviceman should be "compelled" to press charges against her supposed rapist to prove her statements. In a press briefing, Gonzalez said “Vanessa’s" basis for not filing a complaint against the American soldier, hidden behind the name of John Jones, “is something I could not accept." “If the girl is really violated why would she not complain? I think she should be compelled to complain," he said. On Thursday’s press conference at Gabriela’s office, the woman identified only as Vanessa claimed she was sexually assaulted by a US Marine last April 19 at a five-star hotel in Makati City. But she said she would not press charges because she’s afraid of suffering the fate of Suzette “Nicole" Nicolas. Nicolas accused Lance Cpl. Daniel Smith of the US Marine Corps of raping her in 2005. However, last April, the Court of Appeals acquitted Smith of the crime. “The people behind this girl [Vanessa] should not create issues which do not exist," Gonzalez said, adding that slamming the court decision is a “smear on the judicial system as a whole." He added that if Vanessa would not file a case it would appear that Gabriela is just using her to advance its interest. Carlo Lorenzo and Aie B. See, GMANews