Hawaii governor: Subic rape case to make RP-US relations stronger

Hawaii Gov. Linda Lingle said the rape case at the Subic freeport zone in Zambales involving four American servicemen would not dampen the strong relations between the Philippines and the United States.

Lingle, on a goodwill visit in celebration of the centennial of Filipino migration in Hawaii, stressed the importance of highlighting the good diplomatic and cultural relations between the two countries.

Lingle pointed out the American servicemen who have been accused of raping a 22-year-old Filipina at the former US base in Subic should be presumed innocent of the crime until proven guilty by the courts.

"I think in any case of this type, people are innocent until proven guilty," Lingle said.

She said the rape case filed against the four US Marines only proved that the Visiting Forces Agreement (VFA) between the Philippines and the United States was working, pointing out the Philippine judicial system had the jurisdiction to try the case.

"I think everyone wants justice and we want to reserve judgment until a trial occurs," the Hawaii governor said.

The rape case involving the four US servicemen is considered a crucial test for the VFA, a defense accord inked with America in 1999 that governs the treatment of US military personnel who run afoul of the law.

The incident sparked anti-US protests and condemnation by leftist and women’s groups, and calls for the government to seek custody of the accused American servicemen.

Philippine and American officials are still negotiating on which side should get custody of the accused.

Lingle met with President Arroyo yesterday where they led the unveiling of the commemorative stamps for the centennial celebration of the Filipino migration to Hawaii.

Lingle cited the contributions made by Filipinos in all fields of endeavor in Hawaii, the 50th member of the United States.

Lingle said she had appointed three Filipinos in her administration as a show of admiration.

The Hawaiian governor said she had discussed with Mrs. Arroyo the proposals to amend the Constitution to adopt the parliamentary -federal system in decentralizing the national government and create states just like Hawaii.

Lingle shared experiences in decentralizing government functions.

Lingle said she personally thanked Mrs. Arroyo for her efforts in helping the US fight the global scourge of terrorism.

"I also thanked the President for the partnership and support she has given my country in the war against terror… The Philippines in many ways is the first line of defense for us," she said.

Lingle brought with her a 178-strong delegation of traders and businessmen in an effort to strengthen economic and trade relations between Hawaii and the Philippines.

Lingle said her visit will highlight the signing of an agreement between Kapiolani Community College and universities in Ilocos Sur and Pangasinan to help improve the curriculum at their nursing schools and for faculty exchanges.

The agreement may ease the nursing shortage in Hawaii by making it easier for nurses from the Philippines to pass their licensing exams should they decide to immigrate there, Lingle said.

She will also visit the provinces of Pangasinan and Ilocos Sur, where officials will unveil a marker at Port Salumague, where the first 15 Filipino workers boarded a ship for Hawaii 100 years ago.

Lingle arrived on Jan. 3 and will be here for eight days to lead commemorative activities for the centennial of the arrival of the first Filipino migrant workers in Hawaii in 1906.

She said she invited Mrs. Arroyo to visit Hawaii but that no date has been set. — With AP