Ombudsman asked to act swiftly on Arroyo plunder case

Former President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo. INQUIRER FILE PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines –A motion for urgent resolution of the plunder case lodged against former President and now Pampanga Representative Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo for alleged misused of Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office’s (PCSO) intelligence funds has been filed at the Office of the Ombudsman.

In filing the motion, Bayan Muna Representatives Neri Colmenares and Teddy Casino asked the Ombudsman to immediately act on the complaint they filed against Arroyo last year, saying the case seemed to be “gathering dust.”

The case stemmed from an investigation conducted by the Senate, which showed that some P150 million to P350 million PCSO funds were realigned and could not be traced.

“We also want this one to be resolved immediately considering that the case here is plunder. We believe that this is a very strong case against Gloria (Arroyo) especially since her co-accused (former PCSO general manager Rosario) Uriarte admitted the irregularities under oath,” Casino said.

Colmenares said it was necessary to pursue the plunder case against Arroyo  so she would not be able to post bail.

He then urged Uriarte to turn state witness, saying that the former PCSO manager was “used by Gloria (Arroyo) to get what she wants.”

“This is the best time to tell all you know,”  Colmenares added.