Senate to look into 'Florence' rape case - Chiz

DAVAO CITY, Philippines – Sen. Francis “Chiz” Escudero yesterday said the Senate is set to investigate the case of “Florence,” the volunteer nurse who was gang-raped in South Upi, Maguindanao last Sept. 25.

Escudero, who chairs the Senate committee on justice and human rights, arrived here yesterday to personally greet Florence on her birthday at the Southern Philippines Medical Center (SPMC).

“It is just that it has already been two months and nobody has been charged yet. The case is controversial enough, and yet no one has been charged yet even if the investigation by agencies concerned is still ongoing. Justice has been slow on this,” Escudero said.

Escudero said the Senate would investigate why nobody has been arrested and charged yet although Justice Secretary Leila de Lima has already visited Florence twice.

He said he would make sure that Florence’s case would not be whitewashed.

“I will make sure that she (Florence) will get justice and that whoever did it to her will be punished,” said Escudero, who brought Florence a cake and flowers for her birthday.

Escudero also reportedly gave assurance that Florence and her family would be placed in a secure safehouse, probably in Davao City, as they already refused to return to their place in Cotabato City.

He said the Senate probe would not only dwell on Florence’s case but also those of other rape victims who have yet to get justice.

Escudero and presidential sister and actress Kris Aquino were the two personalities Florence said she would like to meet.

Aquino visited Florence last Sunday night, while Vice President Jejomar Binay was set to greet her on her birthday late yesterday afternoon.

SPMC executive director Leopoldo Vega said the visits of Aquino, Escudero and even De Lima and other officials would help Florence in her recovery.

“These visits have a big impact on her since they show that the government cares. She is a volunteer nurse and now she gets visited by personalities like Aquino and Escudero, it really helps,” Vega said.

Escudero described Florence’s disposition yesterday as “cheerful” and that she was even laughing at his jokes.

“Our meeting was just very light and we just shared jokes. She laughed at our jokes. Nothing serious,” he said.

Escudero said he nevertheless wished Florence well, that she would get over her ordeal and live a normal life with a husband and children.

Vega said Florence is set to be discharged anytime this week although her psychological and psychiatric therapy would continue even after she leaves the hospital.

“She has shown remarkable recovery in her cognitive and motor functions and she can already be discharged,” he said.

Escudero said he was impressed by the recovery of Florence who was in comatose when she was first brought to the SPMC more than a month ago.

“It is remarkable how she has recovered. It must be because of the love shown by the members of her family who have been supportive of her and never left her. That must have been the reason behind her smile,” Escudero said.