LOS ANGELES – Grace Grande, the embattled former mistress of a Philippine congressman, emerged victorious this week when the US courts announced a motion to drop the extradition charges against her.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, Grande expressed her gratitude to those who supported her and vowed to continue the fight for freedom and become “the voice for women trapped in abusive relationships.”
In 2007, Grande fled to the United States with her two sons. According to Grande, she was trying to escape an abusive affair with Agbiag Party-List Representative Patricio Antonio.
At that time, Grande was accused of stealing nearly P1.8 million (about $43,000) worth of jewelry in the Philippines – a case which Grande believed was a result of Antonio’s political machinations.
Deputy Federal Public Defender Alyssa D. Bell (Grande’s defense lawyer) said that the US government, through a court order, moved to dismiss the extradition charges against Grande on Nov. 25.
However, Bell said that the theft charges against Grande are still outstanding in the Philippines.
Bell said that the grounds of the dismissal of the extradition case were not initially disclosed, but she surmised that the evidence that the defense team presented played a key role in the outcome.
With the extradition case dropped, Grande and her lawyers will now tackle her asylum petition in immigration court. According to Bell, the asylum hearing is still administratively closed. As such, there no definite date yet on when that case will be heard.
For her part, Grande was effusively thankful for the support she received throughout her ordeal.
Speaking at a press conference in The Park’s Finest Barbecue Restaurant in Historic Filipinotown, Grande said that she was overwhelmed by the developments and that she salutes all the community allies that stood by her throughout the process.
She also praised the US Attorney’s Office for being “cooperative” in releasing her on bond — a circumstance which she noted was extremely rare in extradition cases.
Because of the leniency shown to her by the Attorney’s Office, Grande was able to travel across the country to speak at various events and share her story.
“All I can say is thank you,” Grande said.
“To all women who are victims [or are] trapped in an abusive relationship, continue to be strong,” Grande added.
“Continue to believe in a better life. There is hope and support for you.”
“My struggle has not been easy, but I will continue to fight for my freedom and yours. I will be your voice. This victory is all for you.”
In a separate phone interview with Asian Journal, Grande said that she believes the dismissal of the extradition case would strengthen her asylum petition.
Vindication
For the community leaders behind the Stand With Grace campaign and community grassroots group Association of Filipinas, Feminists Fighting Imperialism, Refeudalization, and Marginalization (AF3IRM), this victory is an affirmation of the group’s tireless efforts throughout the campaign.
“We attribute this rare victory to the strength of the coalition, to the perseverance of the legal team, and to Grace Grande’s fearlessness,” AF3IRM Los Angeles campaign leader Ivy Quicho said.
Quicho said that while the criminal charges against Grande have not yet been dropped, they believe that the dismissal of the extradition charge “proves that there is overwhelming evidence that [Grande’s] abuser is politically motivated and is a threat to her life and the lives of her sons.”
Quicho also revealed that even their own members became targets of ‘political repression’ throughout the ordeal.
Jollene Levid, national chairperson for AF3IRM, said that they did not flinch in the face of harassment, threats, and destruction of property because Grande did not waver in her resolve.
“We want to salute Grace Grande and her family for their fearlessness throughout the campaign. We were brave because she was brave,” Levid said in a statement.
“It is only fitting that we got the news that all trumped-up charges and extradition charges against Grace Grande were dropped on Monday, November 25 – the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women,” Levid added.
Levid said that the victory illuminates the power of organized women.
“When standing unwavering, we can truly win justice,” she said.
The Asian Journal reached out to the Antonio family via email, to ask for Rep. Antonio’s statement. However, according to a relative, the congressman did not want to answer questions concerning Grande.
(www.asianjournal.com)
(LA Weekend November 30 – December 3, 2013 Sec A pg.1)
