What can you say about the acquittal of Lance Cpl. Daniel Smith by the Court of Appeals?

Josh Pacatang, Dipolog City: I commend the three women judges of the CA for acquitting Smith. They proved to the civilized world that the Philippines has an independent judiciary not cowed by anti-American leftists nor bullied by pseudo-nationalists.

Manuel Abejero, Pangasinan: Smith’s acquittal shows that we have not completely weaned ourselves from America. We are still being treated like slaves and Nicole is our Hagar, the concubine of Uncle Sam.

There was no rape

Edwin Castillo, Tanauan City: The Court of Appeals only supported the earlier theory that no rape occurred between Smith and Nicole and that only consensual sex happened.

Dianne Aquino, Caloocan City: I believe in the Court of Appeals’ ruling on the case of Nicole. She knew from the very beginning that what happened was not rape but a one-night stand that she saw coming.

Rowena Remiendo, Metro Manila: Personally, I don’t believe that Nicole was raped by Smith, so it’s also fair to free Smith after years of detention.

Luisito Vallo, Pangasinan: I’ve always believed that there was no rape so it’s just right that the Court of Appeals absolve Smith of the crime that leftist and radical groups forced Nicole to file against him.

Ruel Bautista, Laguna: It was a clear case of two consenting adults leading to fornication.

Erwin Espinosa, Pangasinan: As expected, he was acquitted. Di naman talaga rape ang nangyari kay Nicole, may consent siya sa pinaggagawa ni Smith sa kanya nang gabing yon.

Vir Lauzon, General Santos City: I saw it coming! How can there be a rape when an attacker used a condom and there was no resistance from the accuser?

Fortunato Aguirre, Bulacan: It’s the price for Kulasa’s US visa and I don’t believe she was raped; no decent girl in her right mind would go out at night and get drunk with strangers. That was cheap.

Nick Ocampo, Angeles City: The Court of Appeals acquitted Daniel Smith because the case that Nicole filed in court was not really a rape case. It was a spontaneous romantic episode.

J-Dub Wenceslao, Quezon City: In the first place, I really don’t think he’s guilty. What happened there was probably a case of two drunk, flirtatious and game couple having a good time gone bad. It was really a grand design to me.

Gerii Calupitan, Muntinlupa City: Lance Cpl. Daniel Smith’s acquittal is justified. Nicole’s recantation only proved that no rape occurred; it was a quickie sex act. We were so naive to believe her.

Good decision

Felix Ramento, Manila: If indeed the Lower Court erred in convicting Smith, it was the duty of the Court of Appeals to stop what it deemed was a travesty of justice.

Mouldz Revillame, Laguna: I trust and respect the Court of Appeals very much. The decision to acquit Daniel Smith is right and beyond doubt.

Rudy Tagimacruz, Malaybalay City, Bukidnon: The Court of Appeals’ acquittal of Smith shows the beauty of being in a democratic country. In some other country, he would have been beheaded.

Pedro Alagano Sr., Vigan City: Truth shall prevail and set you free, indeed. Hence, the CA ruling for Smith is just and equitable and a triumph of the rule of law.

Renato Taylan, Ilocos Norte: Justice has been served on the side of truth by the CA. Nicole and Smith can now move on in life, happily. The rape case was just a bad dream for both of them. The CA handed the right ruling to open new lives for them. The Court of Appeals’ ruling is fair.

R. Los Banos, Las Piñas City: It was the right decision because there was no rape in the first place. An all-woman CA division came up with that decision without distraction from the mainly leftist mobs. This we cannot say of the Lower Court that convicted Smith, whose hearings where characterized by the fiesta and war-like atmosphere generated by these mobs. A lot of intimidation came into play in the Lower Court’s decision. Its reversal is correct.

Pressure from militants did Smith in

C.B. Manalastas, Manila: The acquittal was expected due to lack of solid evidence of rape. Nicole filed a rape case against Smith more because of the prodding and help of anti-Americans.

Col. Ben Paguirigan Jr., Ret., Zamboanga City: The acquittal was expected; it was not rape but consensual sex. The conviction by the Lower Court was due to government pressure, so the acquittal by a higher court was expected.

Ed Alawi, Davao City: An acquittal was in order. The former conviction was only influenced by the militant’s intense rallies.

Nony de Leon, Bulacan: Smith was convicted because the judge was not strong enough to resist the mob’s cry for blood. His acquittal by the CA corrected the injustice.

Rey Ibalan, Antipolo City: It was a wild good time for Nicole sensationalized by militants, resulting in a mockery of justice and a subsequent acquittal.

Robert Young Jr., San Juan: There was no rape in the first place. The CA is right. It was “a spontaneous, unplanned romantic episode”. No evidence was presented to show that Cpl. Smith employed force, threat or intimidation, which are essential in a rape case. Nicole was just used by the militant groups, leftist-leaning party lists and anti-American for their cause.

Justice for Smith

Johann Lucas, Quezon City: Finally, justice for Smith. The Court of Appeals saw the incident as it is: A mutual urge for sex after flirting.

Ella Arenas, Pangasinan: I think Smith deserves it. In the first place, there was no rape, as Nicole recanted. May rape bang gumagamit ng condom? Anyway, Smith has served his prison term and learned his lesson not to mess with Filipino women. It’s good she was bothered by her conscience or else Smith would have been denied justice.

Merlino Quinsay, Ilocos Sur: Justice is served, rightfully.

C.K. Yeo, Iloilo City: Luckily, cool heads prevailed and real justice was served or we would have become the laughingstock of the world again. Associate Justice Monina Arevalo-Zenarosa, the CA’s Special Eleventh Division reversed the December 2006 ruling of the Makati Judge Benjamin Pozon that found Smith guilty of the crime of rape. The two kids were really drunk; it led to their “spontaneous, unplanned romantic episode.” No force, threat or intimidation took place. There was no rape.

Salvacion Tomines, Tarlac City: It’s a long awaited justice for Smith. I am happy for him and I would like to congratulate the Court of Appeals magistrates who penned the decision.

Jimmy Donton, Puerto Princesa City: Justice has been served to the innocent US serviceman. The Philippine justice system still has not reached a point of maturity towards sex cases. This highly sensational and politically motivated rape case against a US soldier proves without any reservation its arrogance and short-mindedness.

Germi Sison, Cabanatuan City: Lance Cpl. Daniel Smith should have been cleared right there at the RTC as based on the testimonies of Nicole and of the witnesses, the sex was consensual. It was only unfortunate that his counsel was all form no substance and no match to the smart lady counsel of Nicole.

Voz Butuyan, Pangasinan: Smith got the justice he deserves after months of condemnation by the media!

Ryan Pahimulin, Rizal: The acquittal was only just and proper.

Juan Eduardo, Baguio City: If every man who bought a lady’s drink and then had sex with the recipient were convicted of rape, we’d all be in jail.

Ed Alawi, Davao City: It was a mockery of justice in the first place when all those inside the van during the claimed rape meant nothing to the court.

J. Cayowet Juan, Metro Manila: Long overdue.

We are still under America

Leonard Villa, Batac City: I saw it coming. As a grateful country, we wouldn’t bite the hand of the nation that feeds us. We’ll forever be subservient to the Americans. It’s a way of appeasing the US for the many favors she’s giving us. The Philippines is like a satellite of the US and we shouldn’t be hypocrites not to accept the truth.

Richard Decena, Quezon City: There’s no doubt that the US muscled this administration into acquitting Daniel Smith. Anyway, I still believe there was no rape.

Eric Gopilan, Quezon City: There must have been an out-of-court settlement between the two parties. This proves that our country is still under the US. We avoid conflict.

Noel Banias, Metro Manila: The judgment rendered by the CA has been awaited and expected by all sectors. Ever since news about Nicole’s about-face of her rape charge against Smith came out, the rest was a foregone conclusion. It was only a matter of time before the accused was set free. Let’s face it, top-level talks between representatives of both RP and the US must have decided the result of the case. The bully and the bullied?

We were all taken for a ride

Ed Ledesma, Iloilo City: After putting many people through a lot of rigmarole, we find false rape victim Nicole laughing all the way to the US!

Elpidio Que, Vigan City: I believe that this girl Nicole, who cried rape before, was not raped by Smith. There are reasons to conclude that she had asked for it, only to cry rape when dumped in the street, to save face. Can you imagine that she is now in her dreamland while the blood pressures of Atty. Ursua, etc. are shooting up to the sky?

Rodolfo Talledo, Angeles City: What a pity to those self-proclaimed patriots who tried real hard to manipulate the case and advance their cause. Kumbaga, naisahan sila.

Nicole already recanted

William Gonzaga, Marikina City: With Nicole’s recantation, it’s naturally expected that the Court of Appeals would acquit Smith. It’s very clear that we were all taken for a ride by Nicole who exploited our grieving hearts to cover up her folly lest her ultimate dream of immigrating to the US be jeopardized. It’s elaborate as a scam, we must admit.

Armando Tavera, Las Piñas City: That is expected since Nicole has already recanted her previous statements. I hope no more Nicoles would exist in this side of the world.

Lydia Reyes, Bataan: We can’t do anything about it. Daniel Smith was acquitted because Nicole recanted. As simple as that!

Patrick Miranda, Marikina City: I wouldn’t blame the Court of Appeals for setting Smith free. Of course, with the latest affidavit of Nicole, whether she was forced or not, doubt will certainly set in.

L.C. Fiel, Quezon City: Smith’s acquittal was ensured after Nicole retracted her allegation of rape. Two other women associate justices even concurred with the decision of A.J. Zenarosa.

C.B. Fundales, Bulacan: Nicole’s recantation, however technically irrelevant, just the same rendered the guilt of Smith doubtful. His acquittal is beyond reasonable doubt.

Dino Monzon, Caloocan City: Smith’s acquittal is due to Nicole’s recantation. That act absolved him of any crime. It’s like the Gary Dotson-Crowell case in the US.

Aldo Apostol, Quezon City: The acquittal depended so much on Nicole’s credibility as a victim. Now that she has recanted and left the country, it is but obvious that the accused would be acquitted. Case closed!

Nestor Buñag, Mandaluyong City: The day Nicole’s recantation hit the media, I was certain acquittal was forthcoming. I thought the case was weak throughout the hearing despite attempted trial by publicity from strong quarters. A less smart lawyer couldn’t have won a conviction; the magistrates see with impartiality. That’s justice.

Digoy Coro, Batangas: With the VFA in mind and when Nicole recanted her testimony, an acquittal was to be expected.

Quo vadis, militant groups?

C.B. Manalastas, Manila: Due to Smith’s acquittal, it’s time for those anti-VFA people who forced Nicole to file a rape case to jump into the Pasig River.

Alfred Thieme, Batangas: Justice was served – to the disappointment of all communist groups who used this trumped-up case for their anti-America rallies.

Rey Onate, Palayan City: Justice was served. I pity Gabriela and I hope they learned their lesson.

Ric Vergara, Calamba City: I knew it was coming because I believe the militant groups had been using Nicole since the onset.

Let’s see how Gabriela reacts

Rex Earlou Calmerin, Iligan City: I fear that Gabriela would storm the Senate to pass the bill regarding the dissolution of the VFA. Alam nila na binawi ang sinabi ni Nicole ukol kay Corporal Smith na she was raped by him.

Rico Fabello, Parañaque City: I pity the guy. Right move, right time, wrong girl. I also pity the girl. Wrong move, wrong time, right guy. Oh well, let’s see how Gabriela reacts.

Nicole already got her prize

Imee Aglibot, Rizal: First and foremost, to all co-texters, I’m back in Inbox, this time from Los Angeles. It’s cool here, guys! As for Lance Cpl. Daniel Smith, he just got a consolation from the main jackpot. He has yet to get the remaining bigger share; after all, Nicole already got hers! Tsk, tsk, what a game!

Joel Caluag, Bulacan: Done deal. Nicole got what she wanted – to go to the US and get some cash. Her mother doesn’t have reasons to bellyache.

Eric Avanzado, San Pablo City: Justice here in the Philippines can be influenced by the mighty and the wealthy. Nicole, welcome to the land of milk and honey!

Rose Leobrera, Manila: From the very start, I believed that Smith was never guilty of rape. Suzette Nicolas just wanted to have fun that night. She only wanted to catch an American. If not, what was she doing alone in that club? Look where is she now. She got herself an easy entry into the Land of Milk and Honey. Really wise. Now, she has what she wants: A visa and asawang kano, maybe. 

Case closed

Cris Rivera, Rizal: Smith’s acquittal is sound judgment. Justice served its purpose, firm and square. Truth has prevailed. For our own good, it’s time to close this book. Let’s move on.

Leandro Tolentino, Batangas City: Let us respect the decision. The acquittal followed swiftly after the recantation of the rape victim who was automatically granted a US visa. Case closed. Next victim, please?

Ilde Ricardo, Dumaguete City: Cpl. Daniel Smith’s acquittal is shredding off one excess baggage of our judicial issues which is best forgotten. Tama na ‘yung ingay at protesta.

Ferdinand Reillo, Pasig City: Let’s give Daniel Smith and Nicole a chance to live peacefully. Anyway, God has His own judgment on whoever is telling the truth.

Atty. Ursua should be praised

Nestor Buñag, Mandaluyong City: Atty. Ursua should be praised for her prosecution of the rape case that turned out weak after all, yet she got a conviction. Saludo ako sa inyo, Attorney.

Let’s respect the court’s decision

Norberto Robles, Taguig: There’s no surprise that the higher court overturned the MRTC’s decision versus Cpl. Smith. What’s annoying is that Nicole’s ex-lawyer and red flag militants are still at it despite the final ruling. J.R. Mondonedo Jr., Parañaque City: I’m happy for Smith because I knew he was innocent. As for Nicole, she did the right thing. They can now both move on with their lives. To those people who think otherwise, stop making a big deal out of this. Let’s respect the court’s decision.

Alexander Raquepo, Ilocos Sur: Let those involved go on with their lives. Nicole has recanted her previous statement and a CA decision has been made. Let’s honor it.

 It was bound to happen

Eufrocino Linsangan, Isabela: I’m not surprised. The day the case was filed, I knew Smith would be acquitted. He only had to wait a little bit longer before it would come. My belief was confirmed when Nicole recanted her testimony.

Jim Veneracion, Naga City: Just as I predicted, Smith was acquitted by the Court of Appeals. I wonder what the RTC judge who convicted him would say; reversing his decision is unethical.

R. Tolentino, Laoag City: The acquittal by the Court of Appeals is only ceremonial for since the beginning, an acquittal was already cooking and they were just buying time.

Smith has probably learned his lesson

Eddie Yap, Kabankalan City: I am glad that Smith has been acquitted by the Court of Appeals. I think the guy has learned his lessons and his acquittal will put him in the right track to become a better person if ever he’s guilty. The accuser’s testimony†has many loopholes and I believe Lance Cpl. Daniel Smith is just a victim of circumstances in this controversy.

I don’t know what to think anymore

Francis-Santos Viola, Quezon City: As an American citizen, I believed Smith disgraced the good name of the Marine Corps with his actions. Now, I don’t know what to think.

Views expressed in this section do not necessarily reflect the editorial position of The STAR. The STAR does not knowingly publish false information and may not be held liable for the views of readers exercising their right to free expression. The publication also reserves the right to edit contributions to this section as it sees fit.

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