‘Sow forgiveness, not hate; unity, not division’ — Arroyo

MANILA, Philippines — “Sow forgiveness, not hate; unity, not division” was the message of House Speaker Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo to the public as the end of 2018 draws near.

“Let us greet the new year with gratitude to God for all His blessings and hope for a peaceful and prosperous Philippines,” the former President said in a New Year’s Day message released on Sunday.

“Let us not build fences but spread kindness and compassion. Let us not sow division but unity, not hate but forgiveness,” the Pampanga 2nd District congresswoman added.

Arroyo also expressed hope that the new year will bring “endless opportunities to fulfill our dreams and be a true blessing to others.”

The Speaker was accused of ordering, when she was President, then Maguindanao Gov. Andal Ampatuan Sr. to tamper the results of the 2007 elections in Maguindanao to reflect a victory sweep for administration bets.

But a Pasay court recently cleared Arroyo from her electoral sabotage case, saying the prosecution had failed to prove her guilt beyond reasonable doubt.

READ: Arroyo hurdles last legal obstacle as Pasay court junks poll sabotage case

READ: Youth group slams Arroyo acquittal from electoral sabotage case

The House Speaker has no more pending court cases, her lawyer Ferdinand Topacio said. /muf