SC acquittal proves ‘political persecution’ by Aquino - Arroyo camp
MANILA, Philippines – The legal spokesman of former First Gentleman Jose Miguel Arroyo, Ferdinand Topacio, on Tuesday said they are grateful for the Supreme Court’s decision to acquit former president and now Pampanga Rep. Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo of plunder charges.
Topacio said the acquittal only proves that the case of Macapagal-Arroyo is politically motivated.
“The Supreme Court has once again proven itself to be the final bastion of justice and the rule of law,” Topacio said in a statement.
“Its ruling today has validated what we have been saying for six years now: that the charges against former President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo are nothing more than disingenuous attempts at political persecution by a corrupt and inept Aquino administration intent on covering up its gross lack of accomplishments by harassing its political opponents,” he added.
The former first gentleman echoed Topacio’s statement saying the previous administration took away six years of his wife's life by detaining her.
"Thank God. We're very happy. They took away six years of her life. An innocent woman," Arroyo said.
Topacio said Arroyo “would like to thank their family and friends who have shown unwavering loyalty to Macapagal-Arroyo and the Arroyo and Macapagal families in their hour of deepest darkness, through the trials brought about by unrelenting prosecution and defamation perpetrated by the previous regime”.
“Their continuous moral support and prayers have seen Atty. and Mrs. Arroyo, their children and grandchildren, through what have been the most trying of times for them,” Topacio said.
In a televised phone interview with ANC, Topacio said they are expecting the former president to “be home tonight, in time for dinner.”
GMA happy with SC’s decision
Meanwhile, the Macapagal-Arroyo's legal counsel Estelito Mendoza, confirmed that the former president would go straight to her home at La Vista after her release. He also hailed the SC ruling.
He added that the former president is “very happy and feels vindicated.”
Mendoza also dismissed rumors that President Rodrigo Duterte had a hand in the decision.
“Walang kinalaman si President Duterte sa kasong ito o sa proseso ng Supreme Court.”
Arroyo through Topacio expressed optimism that the Duterte administration would provide positive changes and voiced their support for the president's advocacies.
“The dawn of a new administration has brought about new hope for great positive change, which includes freedom from false and malicious accusations and unceasing lies and disinformation. We all join the new government in its fight against criminality, corruption and its economic and political reforms that will surely usher in a new golden age for our country and people,” Topacio said.
On Tuesday afternoon, the SC en banc dismissed the plunder case against Macapagal-Arroyo over her alleged misuse of the intelligence funds of the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office due to lack of evidence.
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