Militant groups protesting the release of former President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo converged at gate 1 of the Veterans Memorial Medical Center. MATIKAS SANTOS/INQUIRER.net
MANILA, Philippines—Militant groups converged Wednesday morning in front of gate one of Veterans Memorial Medical Center to protest the impending release of former President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo following the posting of P1M bail at a Pasay City court.
Arroyo has been on hospital arrest for electoral sabotage since November last year.
About 150 protesters belonging to Gabriela, Bayan, Bayan Muna, Akbayan and Pamalakaya continued to chant “Gloria ikulong (Jail Gloria Arroyo)!”
A placard by Gabriela members read: “Jail not bail for Gloria!”
Bayan’s read: “Noynoy incompetent behind Gloria’s bail.” Noynoy is President Benigno Aquino III’s nickname.
Other placards and chants of protesters blame President Benigno Aquino III for failure to establish stronger case against Arroyo.
At around noon, about 30 supporters of Arroyo also converged at the gate of VMMC. They called themselves volunteers for Arroyo. By 2 p.m., their numbers increased to 200, more than the anti-Arroyo ralliers.
One of the placards they’re carrying read: “Welcome back PGMA, mahal na mahal ka namin. (Welcome back PGMA, we love you so much).” PGMA are initials for President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo.
Roel Santiago, one of the Arroyo volunteers told INQUIRER.net they’re from a community near Sto. Domingo Church. “Adhikain namin na mapalaya at mapawalang sala si PGMA (Our advocacy is to free President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo).”
The “pro-Arroyo volunteers” positioned themselves just 20 meters away from the militant groups.
Riot police guarding the area are positioned inside the gate.
In a radio report, lawyer Raul lambino, spokesperson of Arroyo, said they are happy with the court’s decision, saying “it only proves the government has little evidence against electoral sabotage case filed against Mrs. Arroyo.”
He said after complying with requirements for release, Arroyo will go home to her house in La Vista subdivision in Quezon City.