Fil-Am Democrats hail NY jury for Trump verdict: ‘Justice finally served’

NEW YORK CITY—In a landmark decision, Donald Trump was convicted Thursday by a jury here of felony charges for falsifying business records related to hush money payments made to an adult film star in an effort to illegally influence the 2016 election.

Found guilty on all 34 counts, the former president’s conviction has sent ripples through the political landscape as the 2024 election approaches.

The verdict has sparked a variety of reactions across the United States, but it has particularly galvanized Filipino American Democrats, many of whom have been vocal in their opposition to Trump’s potential second run for the presidency.

For these community leaders and activists, the conviction serves as a vindication of their long-standing concerns about Trump’s questionable conduct and character.

Rocio Nuyda, a prominent community leader based in Los Angeles, expressed a sentiment of justice finally being served. “Someone said it is no longer about character; it is now about how character matters to you,” Nuyda said. “This conviction is long overdue. Hail to the courage of the jurors who saw the light. It is a great day in America when American jurors proved that nobody is above the law.”

Super PAC Loida Nicolas Lewis, a respected Fil-Am community icon, echoed these sentiments, lauding the jury’s decision. “The jury of his peers, all New Yorkers, after hearing all the evidence and two days of serious deliberation, found Donald Trump guilty on ALL 34 counts,” Lewis, who had been recognized as a “Trailblazer of Democracy,” told INQUIRER.net USA. “The rule of law, exemplified by Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg and his staff, is applicable to everyone, former president of the USA notwithstanding. Bravo, United States of America!”

LA-based journalist Ruben Nepales emphasized the importance of this conviction in potentially awakening those who have shown unwavering support for Trump. “I hope Trump’s criminal conviction will finally wake up those who have a cult-like, blind devotion to him,” Nepales said. “The man is a crook, plain and simple. I salute the 12 jurors – regular citizens who did their duty, considered the facts and bravely and unanimously declared that Trump is guilty on all 34 counts in his criminal hush money trial.” His wife and fellow journalist, Janet Nepales could not agree more, “Justice has prevailed!”

Even as Trump’s conviction brought a sense of justice to many, it also evoked a sense of sadness over the state of the nation. Mariela Fletcher, the national president of the National Federation of Filipino American Associations (NaFFAA), expressed, “I am sad though with what is going on in our nation – a former American president convicted of a crime! It is a shame, but no one is above the law and he broke the law.”

For these Fil-Am Democrats, the conviction serves as a vindication of their long-standing concerns about Trump’s questionable conduct and character. Clockwise from top left: Atty. Loida Nicolas Lewis, Mariela Fletcher, Rodel Rodis, Rocio Nuyda, Janet Nepales and Ruben Nepales. CONTRIBUTED

Political leaders and officials also weighed in on the implications of the verdict. New York Governor Kathy Hochul emphasized the importance of upholding the rule of law and ensuring public safety amidst potential unrest.

“Today’s verdict reaffirms that no one is above the law,” Hochul said in a press release. “In preparation for a verdict in this trial, I directed my administration to closely coordinate with local and federal law enforcement, and we continue to monitor the situation. We are committed to protecting the safety of all New Yorkers and the integrity of our judicial system.”

Meanwhile, New York City Mayor Eric Adams stressed the need for respect for the criminal justice process and readiness to handle any large-scale protests. “Today, a jury of 12 New Yorkers registered their verdict,” he said in a statement provided to the media. “Our criminal justice process must be respected. As we await the next steps, New Yorkers should rest assured that the NYPD stands ready to respond to any and all circumstances, including large-scale protests. While peaceful protests and assembly will always be protected, we will not be a city of any form of lawlessness.”

For Rodel Rodis, a veteran lawyer and long-time Democratic political leader in San Francisco, the felony conviction is a vindication for many Filipino American Democrats. “This is Trump’s MAL—Mother of All Lies—which he spread for 5 years before finally admitting in 2016 that he lied,” Rodis posted on his Facebook wall. “But MAGA supporters are still peddling this lie 13 years later.”

As the November election approaches, the conviction of Trump has not only intensified the discourse surrounding his candidacy but also solidified the resolve of Fil-Am Democrats. For them, the guilty verdict is not just a legal decision but a reaffirmation of democratic principles and the rule of law, fueling their opposition to Trump’s second bid for the White House.