Solons call for justice over Christine Dacera's death

Lawmakers from the House of Representatives on Tuesday called for justice over the alleged rape and killing of 23-year-old flight attendant Christine Dacera.

In a statement, Gabriela Women's Party Representative Arlene Brosas offered her condolences to the Dacera's family as she expressed condemnation over her killing.

"We strongly condemn the deplorable circumstances surrounding the death of Dacera as we join calls for truth and justice over this case," Brosas said.

"This is another proof that women are increasingly under attack in this society amid worsening impunity and shrinking safe spaces," she added.

Dacera was found lifeless in the bathtub of a hotel room past noon on New Year’s Day. She checked into the hotel along with friends for a New Year’s Eve celebration.

Philippine National Police (PNP) chief General Debold Sinas, however, said Dacera’s case is already solved even though only three out of the 11 suspects are under police custody so far.

PNP spokesman Brigadier General Ildebrandi Usana explained that from the perspective of the police, they consider a certain case as solved after identifying the alleged perpetrators of the crime.

But as far as Brosas is concerned, Dacera's case cannot simply be regarded as solved, as thorough investigation should still be conducted to examine all sides and bring all perpetrators to justice.

"Christine Dacera's case is far from over and should not be easily swept under the rug. As long as the perpetrators are still at large, an immediate and thorough investigation should be conducted to deliver justice for her family," she said.

"We will file a House Resolution to probe the alleged rape-slay of Christine Dacera and continue to register the widest indignation over rising cases of sexual abuse and violence against women," she added.

Meanwhile, ACT-CIS party-list Rep. Niña Taduran called on parties who may have information or have been involved in Dacera's killing to come forward.

This was after fellow ACT-CIS party-list Rep. Eric Yap offered a P100,000 reward for the arrest of each of the remaining suspects still at large.

“The truth has to come out, and only the arrest of the remaining suspects will complete the investigation,” she said.

Taduran also urged the public to stop blaming Dacera over what happened.

“Stop victim-blaming. It is already hard for Christine’s family to lose her, it makes it harder for them to hear people say that what happened was her own doing. Let us pray that this won’t happen again to anyone,” she said.

Duterte Youth party-list Rep. Ducielle Cardema, on the other hand, said Dacera's killing gives all the more reason to reinstate death penalty.

"Para sa Duterte Youth party-List, tama lamang ibalik ang death penalty para sa krimen ng rape dahil sa inhumane na ginawa sa kapwa tao, sinira ang pagkatao at pagiging tao ng biktima," she said.

"Para sa nangyari sa isang umuusbong na youth and professional katulad ni 23-year old Christine Dacera, sasamahan natin ang kanyang naiwang pamilya sa matinding panawagan para sa hustisya, at para sa Duterte Youth party-List dapat ibalik ang death penalty sa mga ganitong klaseng karumaldumal na krimen sa bansa," she added. -MDM, GMA News