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Tuesday, January 02, 2007
Arroyo appeals for understanding on Smith's transfer to US custody (2:45 p.m.)
MANILA -- President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo appealed Tuesday for the public's understanding in government's action of transferring convicted US Marine Daniel Smith to the custody of the US Embassy pending judicial resolution on his custody.
"I wish to appeal for understanding from the people that this action will not affect the substantive issues at bar, nor impede justice and the rule of law," the President said on a statement.
"The government had to take this action in order to forestall the further deterioration in our strategic relationship with the United States, which was being rapidly eroded by our non-compliance with the Visiting Forces Agreement," Arroyo further stated.
According to Arroyo the Executive Branch is prepared to face legal challenges on the decision and is confident that its legitimacy and wisdom will be upheld.
"This difficult decision was made and taken with only the best of the Philippines in mind," she said.
"I therefore ask all Filipinos to stand by it and to stand behind our alliance with the United States to fight terror and poverty," she added.
Meanwhile, the lawyer of Nicole has asked the Court of Appeals to cite in contempt four officials of the Arroyo government for their alleged involvement in the escape of Smith from a local prison and transfer to the US Embassy.
Evalyn Ursua said, "Daniel Smith is now a fugitive from justice."
Respondents in the contempt petition were Local Government Secretary Ronaldo Puno, Presidential Legal Counsel Sergio Apostol, Executive Secretary Eduardo Ermita, Justice Secretary Raul Gonzalez, and the warden at the Makati City jail where Smith was detained following his conviction for rape late last year. (Sunnex) |
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