Palace calls for respect of Arroyo acquittal

By: Nestor Corrales - 8 years ago

Former President and now Pampanga Rep. Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo. INQUIRER FILE PHOTO/ JOAN BONDOC

Malacañang on Tuesday urged Filipinos to “respect” the decision of the Supreme Court acquitting former President and now Pampanga Representative Gloria Macapagal Arroyo of the alleged misuse of Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO) fund.

“Let us respect and abide by the High Court’s decision,” Presidential Communications Secretary Martin Andanar said in a statement.

In a separate statement, Presidential spokesman Ernesto Abella said the Palace “recognizes the High Court’s independence,” though he has yet to see a copy of the decision.

“We have not seen a copy, however, we recognize the High Court’s independence and if true, we will abide by the decision,” Abella said in a statement.

Voting 11-4 on Tuesday, the Supreme Court granted Arroyo’s petition seeking the dismissal of her remaining plunder case before the Sandiganbayan.

READ: SC junks remaining Arroyo plunder case  

In 2012, Arroyo was charged with plunder in connection with the alleged misuse of P366 million PCSO fund.

Arroyo has since been under hospital arrest at the Veterans Memorial Medical Center (VMMC) in Quezon City. CDG/rga