MANILA, Philippines -- Justice Secretary Raul Gonzalez said he was disappointed by the decision of Nicole, whose rape American Marine Daniel Smith was convicted of, to go to the United States, saying this showed her feelings over her ordeal were ?not very genuine.?

Gonzalez disclosed that Nicole originally wanted to go to Italy, where she has relatives, and was asking help to secure visas for herself and her family.

Had she gone to Italy, it would have proven that her anger at the US government for what she went through was

But he said it would have been better had Nicole chosen to stay in the Philippines. ?I would feel that it would really show her really intention to pursue this case to the bitter end.?

Smith continues to be detained at the US embassy while appealing his conviction. Recently, the Supreme Court ruled that he should be returned to Philippine custody.

Nicole?s decision to go to the US ?shows that her supposed attacks [on the US] and hatred [she] expressed before was not very genuine,? Gonzalez said.

?This is a very touchy issue, a sensitive case for a lot of people, especially the activists and ultra-nationalists,? Gonzalez said.

On hindsight, said Gonzalez, he should have granted Nicole?s wish to remove the ?meaty? portions of her affidavit.

?If I helped her remove those portions, there never would have been a case,? Gonzalez said.