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ROMULO
FACTS:
Herein respondent, Lance Corporal Daniel Smith, is a member of
the United States Armed Forces. He was charged with the crime of
rape committed against a Filipina, Suzette S. Nicolas.
Pursuant to the Visiting Forces Agreement (VFA) between the
Republic of the Philippines and the United States, the United
States, at its request, was granted custody of defendant Smith
pending the proceedings.
During the trial, the US Government faithfully complied with its
undertaking to bring defendant Smith to the trial court every time
his presence was required.
Eventually, the Regional Trial Court rendered its Decision, finding
defendant Smith guilty. He shall serve his sentence in the facilities
that shall be agreed upon by appropriate Philippine and United
States pursuant to the VFA. Pending agreement on such facilities,
accused is hereby temporarily committed to the Makati City Jail.
However, defendant was taken out of the Makati jail by a
contingent of Philippine law enforcement agents, and brought to a
facility for detention under the control of the United States
government, provided for under new agreements between the
Philippines and the United States, referred to as the RomuloKenney Agreement. This agreement provides that in accordance
with the Visiting Forces Agreement signed, Smith, United States
Marine Corps, be returned to United States military custody at the
U.S. Embassy in Manila.
Petitioners contend that the Philippines should have custody of
Smith because if they would allow such transfer of custody of an
accused to a foreign power is to provide for a different rule of
procedure for that accused. The equal protection clause of the
Constitution is also violated.
ISSUE:
accord with the VFA itself because such detention is not "by
Philippine authorities."
Respondents should therefore comply with the VFA and negotiate
with representatives of the United States towards an agreement
on detention facilities under Philippine authorities as mandated by
Art. V, Sec. 10 of the VFA.
The Visiting Forces Agreement (VFA) between the Republic of the
Philippines and the United States, is UPHELD as constitutional, but
the Romulo-Kenney Agreements are DECLARED not in accordance
with the VFA.