Palace lauds Senate body’s plunder rap recommendation vs Arroyo

MANILA, Philippines—Malacañang welcomed Wednesday the Senate Blue Ribbon Committee’s recommendation that plunder and technical malversation charges be brought against former President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo.

The recommendation was in connection with the Arroyo administration’s alleged misuse of P325 million in funds from the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office during its last three years in power.

“The ball is now in the court of the Ombudsman to file charges for plunder against the officials involved,” said Edwin Lacierda, President Benigno Aquino III’s spokesperson, during Wednesday’s regular news briefing in Malacañang.

“The findings of the Blue Ribbon Committee on the mismanagement and plunder of PCSO funds shows what happens when the misdeeds of the past are exposed to daylight,” he added.

Lacierda commended Blue Ribbon Committee chair Teofisto Guingona III’s investigation.

“Congressional oversight is a crucial weapon in the fight to punish wrongdoing and hold erring officials to account,” Lacierda said.

“Despite the obstacles set by Arroyo and her allies, like Chief Justice Corona, this administration is committed to its promise of rectifying the wrongs of the past and of leading this country in our path to reform,” he added.