Gonzalez: 3 GIs in Subic rape case may seek CA review

Justice Secretary Raul Gonzalez on Friday said three of the four US marines accused in the Subic rape case may ask the the Court of Appeals to review a lower court ruling retaining them as principal accused. Judge Benjamin Pozon of the Makati regional trial court branch 139 struck down the motion filed by the justice department downgrading the charges against Lance Corporals Daniel Smith, Keith Silkwood, and Dominic Duplantis and Staff Sergeant Chad Carpentier. Gonzalez earlier said only Lance Corporal Daniel Smith should remain as the principal suspect as he was the one who reportedly have consummated the sexual act against the woman. He said the charges against Carpentier, Duplantis, and Silkwood lacked probable cause. Lawyers of the alleged victim earlier filed a petition questioning the downgrading of charges against three of the four accused US marines. Under the Visiting Forces Agreement, the case must be resolved within one year, counted from the start of the trial.-GMANews.TV