Contempt

The US Embassy and the Executive branch shamelessly carted off convicted US serviceman Daniel Smith to the US Embassy from the Makati jail in the dead of night last Friday, when everybody was busy with holiday activities. The Department of Foreign Affairs entered into agreement with the Embassy in view of the clear terms set forth in the Visiting Forces Agreement, despite the opposing views upheld by the Makati Court where Smith's case was heard.

This comes in the heels of the US threat to cancel the military exercises with the Philippine military. Obviously, the US is throwing its weight around again, placing Gloria in a difficult position. The Makati Court chose to interpret the terms of the VFA in a different light. And by defying the court, the US Embassy and the Palace should be cited "in contempt of Court".