Ronald Ian Cole, an Australian national residing in the Philippines, has been found guilty of raping a Filipina in San Jose Del Monte City, Bulacan. The verdict was handed down by the Malolos City Regional Trial Court Branch 78, where Cole was sentenced to reclusion perpetua, or life imprisonment.
The Department of Justice confirmed the ruling, stating that Cole, who has been living in the Philippines since 2011 under a special resident retirement visa, was also ordered to pay his victim P225,000 in damages by Presiding Judge Golda Pablo-Salamat.
Court records reveal that the complainant accused Cole of offering her medicine when she fell ill in January 2013. However, after taking the pill, she experienced numbness and weakness, leading to alleged sexual abuse by Cole. The complainant claimed that these incidents occurred more than 10 times.
In its decision, the court emphasized the gravity of rape as a crime committed in isolation, often leaving the victim as the sole witness. The court underscored the credibility and consistency of the victim’s testimony, leading to Cole’s conviction.
Despite Cole’s claims of the allegations being fabrications due to the victim’s alleged drug use, the court found the complainant’s testimony to be convincing. Cole’s defense of mere denial without establishing any ill motive on the part of the victim was deemed insufficient by the court.
Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla commended Senior Assistant State Prosecutor Jinky Dedumo and Assistant State Prosecutor Wendell Bendoval for their successful prosecution of the case. Remulla emphasized the importance of accountability, especially in cases involving foreign nationals who violate the laws of the country.
