HOUSE Assistant Minority Leader and Gabriela Women’s Party-List Rep. Sarah Elago has condemned the reported rape case involving a Manila policeman who allegedly spiked the victim’s drink and brought her to a motel while still unconscious.
“The series of news about policemen abusing women is very disturbing. This is a clear pattern of abuse and lack of accountability within the police force,” Elago said, citing a news report last December in which two police officers were dismissed for allegedly sexual abuse of a policewoman in Marikina.
According to reports, CCTV footage showed the unconscious victim being carried by the police officer into a motel.
Medico-legal examination also confirmed that the victim had been sexually molested, but the suspect insisted that they had a “mutual understanding,” hinting that the incident was consensual.
“The phrase “mutual understanding” cannot be an excuse to commit a crime. When the victim is unconscious, there is no consent — that is clear in law and in human rights,” Elago argued.
The lawmaker called for the immediate dismissal of the policeman involved, in addition to the filing and swift prosecution of criminal charges.
“Suspension or administrative case alone is not enough. There should be no room for abusers, especially those in power,” Elago stressed.
She also underscored the need to ensure protection and comprehensive support for the victim, including legal assistance, psychosocial services, and safeguards against intimidation and victim-blaming. Maricel Cruz
“The Gabriela Women’s Party is open to providing services to the victim. We call for the guilty to be held accountable and to end the culture that protects the abused within the police force,” she added.
