Australian National Convicted of Rape in the Philippines
The Department of Justice (DOJ) of the Philippines has successfully secured the conviction of an Australian national for the rape of a Filipina woman. The individual, who has been residing in the Philippines since 2011, was found guilty by the Regional Trial Court of Malolos, Bulacan.
In a decisive 24-page judgment, the court sentenced the accused to reclusion perpetua, a form of life imprisonment, and ordered him to pay P225,000.00 in damages to the victim. The case hinged on the testimony of the complainant, who accused the Australian of raping her multiple times under the influence of a substance he had provided under the guise of medicine.
Despite the accused’s denial and claims of fabrication due to drug use, the court found the victim’s testimony to be “logical, credible, consistent, and convincing,” leading to the conviction. Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Boying Remulla lauded the prosecutors for their work and emphasized the importance of accountability, especially from foreigners who violate local laws.
The conviction is seen as a significant step in deterring crimes against vulnerable individuals, particularly women. The accused also faces charges of qualified trafficking in persons involving minors in a separate case.