GMA lone defense witness in PCSO plunder case

MANILA, Philippines - Former President and Pampanga Rep. Gloria Macapagal Arroyo has listed herself as the lone defense witness in the plunder case filed against her by the Office of the Ombudsman for alleged misuse of Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO) funds.

But her lawyers, led by Anacleto Diaz, told the Sandiganbayan First Division that Arroyo reserves her right to present additional witnesses if necessary.

Arroyo’s camp said the former president is their only witness at the moment because those who may have personal knowledge of the questioned PCSO funds are her co-accused.

“She prays that she be allowed to present evidence last so that she may adopt the testimonies of her co-accused who may testify in their behalf or of such witness as they may present during trial,” her lawyers said.

Other respondents in the plunder case are former PCSO general manager Rosario Uriarte; former board chairman Sergio Valencia; former board directors Manuel Morato, Jose Taruc V, Raymundo Roquero and Ma. Fatima Valdes; former budget and accounts manager Benigno Aguas; former Commission on Audit chairman Reynaldo Villar; and former auditor Nilda Plaras.