Aquino hails Arroyo arraignment on electoral sabotage charge

MANILA, Philippines — President Benigno Aquino III’s spokesman welcomed  former President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo’s arraignment on a charge of electoral sabotage at a Pasay City on Thursday, saying justice may now take its course.

“We welcome the decision of CGMA (Congresswoman Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo) to submit to the judicial process in pleading not guilty,” Edwin Lacierda, the president’s official spokesman, said in a text message to reporters following the court proceedings.

“The trial can now proeed on the merits and let justice be done,” he added.