Fil-Ams keep support for convicted Georgia doctor

Supporters of Dr. Noel Chua held back tears on hearing the verdict of life slapped on the Filipino American doctor for violating Georgia’s Controlled Substance Act, which led to the death of patient Jamie Carter III. In Washington D.C., the National Federation of Filipino American Associations (NaFFAA) expressed “deep disappointment" over the verdict. “We will continue to support Dr. Chua as he seeks other legal recourse in his struggle to prove his innocence and seek justice," said NaFFAA chair Alma Kern in a statement issued to Philippine News. A jury of five women and seven men declared Chua guilty of felony murder and of seven acts of violating the state’s anti-drug law, according to a report in the “Florida Times-Union." After the verdict was read, Chua – a doctor at St. Marys Hospital in Camden County – was sentenced to life in prison by Judge Amanda Williams. He was also sentenced to five years in prison on the drug charges, said the paper. “Chua sat erect and displayed no emotion as the guilty verdicts were read, but supporters of the doctor slumped as they heard them," the paper described the mood in the courtroom. Around the country, Filipino Americans offered mixed emotions. The initial outpouring of support from the FilAm community has dwindled after it was disclosed that Chua and the victim had a personal relationship. Attendance at pro-Chua rallies has slowed in the weeks leading to the trial. The defense played up this relationship to the hilt during the trial, even producing a young man who testified to a sexual relationship with Chua. The community was initially angered by the manner in which Chua was arrested in September 2006, accusing the court system of racial bias. Chua was kept in jail without formal charges and his first courtroom appearance happened only last week after he’s been in jail for one year. Carter died on Dec. 15, 2005 from “multi-drug intoxication." The prosecutor said at least 10 drugs – including morphine, oxycodone and methadone – were found in his system, some of them prescribed by Chua “for no apparent medical reason," said the “Times-Union." “District Attorney Stephen Kelley compared Chua to a drug dealer and said the doctor ignored information in medical records from other physicians indicating Carter may have had a drug problem," the paper reported. The defense, on the other hand, argued Chua did all he could to relieve Carter’s pain from chronic headaches and made sure all medical procedures were followed. Chua’s lawyer said the doctor was not to blame if Carter “took a combination of pain medication" that led to his death. Chua has been described by friends and patients as a caring and compassionate doctor who’d go out of his way to offer help to his patients. He offered his house to Carter so the young student could work in his clinic to support himself to school. The trial, however, would uncover a homosexual relationship developing between doctor and patient, with the prosecution depicting Chua as a predator who took advantage of his patient’s vulnerability. “There were things that came out during the trial that we were not aware of especially during Friday’s proceedings," said Dr. Ely Abellera, a staunch supporter of Chua. “Although it did not prove felony murder, the revelation was nonetheless devastating." Abellera maintained Chua did not receive a fair trial and faulted the defense lawyer for being “not forceful enough" and for disallowing Chua from taking the stand. Soli Nicolson whose support for Chua remained steadfast told PN, “There is a large enough population here in Georgia alone but there are not enough passionate people who came out to support. We have not all been united." Nicolson said she and other Chua activists had to “step outside the Pinoy community" to seek support for Chua’s case from Black civil rights leaders. “It is frustrating becomes sometimes you feel like you are fighting by yourself or with little support." “We thank the many friends and supporters of Dr. Chua who stood by and prayed for him and his family throughout his ordeal," said NaFFAA’s Kern. - Philippine News