Pinoys score DOJ chief for 'careless' remark on Campbell

Justice Secretary Raul Gonzalez seems to have a knack for making careless statements. This time his statement that Julia Campbell, the slain American Peace Corps volunteer, was "careless" got the ire of some Filipinos here and abroad, including the party-list of the women's rights group Gabriela. "She was a little irresponsible," Gonzalez was quoted as saying by GMANews.TV in a report headlined Campbell partly to blame for own tragedy- DOJ and posted on April 19. Military men found Campbell's decomposing body on Wednesday, April 18, in a dry creek in Battad, a remote village in Banaue town, Ifugao province. She was reported missing since April 8. "Why would she walk alone in this remote mountain?" Gonzalez continued. "I think, [if she had a companion], it would not have happened. She was careless that she took a lonely walk in this deserted area. Maybe she was confident [of being familiar with the countryside]." In a statement sent to GMANews.TV, Rep. Liza Maza said:

“Sec. Raul Gonzales’ statement on Julia Campbell is deplorable. It is macho, irresponsible and disrespectful of the dead. Gonzales, as a full-blooded macho, is resorting to victim blaming. He is a a national shame. Isa siyang pambansang kahihiyan. Whether Ms. Campbell was victim of foul play or it was simply an accident, she cannot be blamed for her own death. Mr. Gonzales simply could not stop himself from spewing venom after venom. He just kept racking up evil points from women."

Following are three comments sent to GMANews.TV:

Sobra na si Sec Gonzales, nakuha pa niyang sisihin si Julia Campbell. Malaki ang ginagastos ng gobyerno para sa tourism promotion tapos ganito pa ang mangyayari. Dapat nga mag resign siya dahil wala siyang nagagawang mabuti at puro kahihiyan ang dala niya para sa bayan. - Claudio N. Lumban of Sacramento, California, USA (received April 19, 2007, 9:31 p.m.) Didn't his grandmother ever tell him to just shut up when he's got nothing good to say? Such insensitivity! - Aileen Clemente of Bago Bantay, Quezon City (received April 19, 2007, 6:26 p.m.) Why does Justice Gonzales has [sic] to blame the late Julia Campbell? i thought he is a JUSTICE ,his brain was too small for blaming the victim's carelessness, she don't want that to happened to herself. Please tell GONZALES just zip his mouth, be thankful that he is in good position now, which i think he doesn't deserved. Also, How did GONZALEZ became a justice? He should just be in Divisoria and sell fishball or probably BALUT at night because of his big none sense talking mouth, shame on him for being my kababayan. - 'Pinoy LA' of Los Angeles, California, USA (received April 20, 2007, 2:37 am)

Gabriela also pointed out that Gonzalez's "anti-women stance" has been consistent with past “macho remarks" regarding actresses Kris Aquino and Susan Roces and Subic rape victim “Nicole." - GMANews.TV