By Cielito M. Reganit
Former Philippine President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo arrives with husband, Jose Miguel, at the Sandiganbayan anti-graft court in Quezon City, Metro Manila, April 11, 2012. Arroyo entered a plead of not guilty to allegations of graft and corruption in the tainted telecommunications deal with China in 2007. REUTERS/Cheryl Ravelo (PHILIPPINES – Tags: POLITICS CRIME LAW)
MANILA (PNA) – Former president and now Pampanga Rep. Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo on Tuesday lauded the Supreme Court decision that acquitted her from plunder charges and said that justice and righteousness have once again prevailed over injustice and wrongdoing.
In a statement released after the landmark ruling, the former leader also urged the public to keep faith in the justice system.
“With the High Tribunal rendering a final decision on this unfortunate episode, I sincerely hope that everyone will respect and recognize the truth that has been established,” she said.
Voting 11-4, the high tribunal granted Arroyo’s petition seeking the dismissal of her remaining plunder case at the Sandiganbayan over the alleged misuse of the Php 366-million confidential intelligence fund of the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO).
In the statement, Arroyo thanked the High Court for finally stopping the persecution she had unjustly gone through for the last five years.
She also thanked her supporters for their prayers and immeasurable help in keeping her faith and conviction that truth and justice will ultimately prevail.
“It is my fervent hope that nobody else will suffer the persecution that had been levied on me through self-serving interpretation and implementation of the law. And that the disregard of truth for which I was made to suffer be dealt with accordingly at the soonest possible time,” she said.
The third-term Pampanga representative likewise praised President Rodrigo Duterte for “allowing due process to take its course totally unhampered.”
In the campaign trail, Duterte promised he would release Arroyo from detention if elected President due to weak evidence, an offer that the former president declined.
“I also extend my heartfelt appreciation to His Excellency, President Rodrigo Duterte, and to the honorable members of the Supreme Court,” Arroyo said.