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Thursday, October 05, 2006
Subic rape trial ends; decision due on November 27 (3:12 p.m.)
MANILA -- The landmark trial of the controversial rape case filed by a 23-year-old Filipino woman against four US Marines concluded on Wednesday after the prosecution panel decided to dispense with the presentation of their rebuttal witness.
With the end of the trial, Judge Benjamin Pozon formally scheduled the promulgation of the controversial case on November 27 or a month before the one-year prescription period as called for under the 1998 RP-US Visiting Forces Agreement (VFA).
The VFA governed limited prosecution of US military personnel while undergoing anti-terror training exercises with their Filipino counterparts.
Pozon earlier ruled that the one-year period should start on Dec. 27, 2005 when the case was formally filed before the Olongapo City Regional Trial Court (RTC).
Both parties agreed with the prosecution’s manifestation not to present the rebuttal and the court ordered them to submit within 30 days their respective memorandum on the case. (AH/Sunnex) |
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