Nicoles cross done in 40 minutes.

(From Philippine Daily Inquirer)

Byline: Volt Contreras and Tarra V. Quismundo

THE EXPECTED FIREWORKS AT the cross-examination of the Filipino complainant in the Subic rape case did not happen.

Days before she took the stand, Nicole was warned by her lawyers to expect no kindness from the defense. But yesterday, only one of the Filipino lawyers of the four accused US Marines conducted the cross-examination and was done in 40 minutes, provoking none of the tears and angry outbursts that earlier marked her testimony.

Speaking later with reporters, the lawyers of the three other American soldiers said they chose not to grill Nicole because she did not mention their respective clients anyway during her emotional, three-day direct examination.

Those who adopted the no-cross tactic were Francisco Rodrigo, counsel for S/Sgt Chad Carpentier; Jose Justiniano, for Lance Cpl. Keith Silkwood; and Enrico Uyehara, for Lance Cpl. Dominic Duplantis.

The most eloquent cross-examination is no cross-examination, Rodrigo said.

Makati Judge Benjamin Pozon adjourned the proceedings at 2:10 p.m.the shortest hearing yet in the trial.

Justiniano told reporters that the defense panels tack was not necessarily a sign of overconfidence. To win a case, you dont really rely on cross-examination …