Australian retiree gets life for rape

MANILA, Philippines — An Australian man, who has been permanently residing in the Philippines since 2011 under a special resident retirement visa, was meted a life term for raping a Filipina in 2013, the Department of Justice (DOJ) said yesterday.

In a statement, the DOJ said Ronald Ian Cole, 75, was also ordered by Judge Golda Pablo-Salamat of Bulacan Regional Trial Court Branch 78 to pay his victim P225,000 in damages.

Court records show that in January 2013, the complainant – who resided in Cole’s home in San Jose del Monte, Bulacan – said the Australian gave her medicine under the pretense of easing her discomfort while she was ill.

However, after taking the pill, the complainant claimed that Cole raped and abused her after her body became numb and extremely weak.

The complainant also alleged that the sexual abuse happened “more than 10 times at least three times a week.”

In convicting the Australian, the court said the complainant “successfully established the fact of rape and identified the accused as the one who had carnal knowledge with her.”

“Furthermore, against the straightforward and categorical testimony of the complainant, the accused only offered bare denial. Accused was not able to establish any ill motive that could have compelled complainant to falsely accuse him of rape,” the court said.

Aside from his conviction, Cole is also facing charges of qualified human trafficking involving minors pending before another court.

Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla hailed Cole’s conviction and warned other foreigners preying on women.

“Let’s demand accountability for this, more so, from a foreign national who fearlessly defied the very laws of this country,” Remulla said.

“May the victory of this case serve as a deterrent to those who continuously oppress the weak and vulnerable, especially women, for their self-interest,” he added.