Ally appeals for bail for Arroyo

Former President and Pampanga Representative Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo

House Minority Leader Danilo Suarez on Wednesday urged President Benigno Aquino and the judge hearing the election sabotage case against former President and Pampanga Representative Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo to grant her application for bail, saying the evidence against her was weak.

In a press conference, Suarez said that while the application for bail depends on the judge’s discretion, the President’s approval could convince the judge to grant it.

He said that while the election sabotage case against Arroyo was nonbailable, bail could still be granted if the evidence is weak.

“We are appealing to both the judge and the influencing factor to the judge,” Suarez said, referring to the President.

“We hope the President will take note that in a recent survey, the majority of our people—including those who do not oppose the filing of charges against her (Arroyo)—most of them would be willing to see her granted [bail] or at least placed under house arrest,” he said.

Suarez also said he was confident that the public would also note the “weakness” of the election sabotage case and that it was being used as a pretext to keep Arroyo behind bars.

He insisted that the sole witness, former Maguindanao administrator Norie Unas, was “damaged goods” because the latter’s testimony was uncorroborated hearsay. The witness had also been linked to the Maguindanao massacre, he noted.

As to those opposed to granting Arroyo provisional liberty and who are protesting in the streets, Suarez said they should do so only in the pursuit of truth and honesty, not monetary consideration.