MANILA, Philippines–Militant lawmakers is backing Justice Secretary Leila De Lima’s efforts to stop the Arroyos from leaving the country at all cost.
“We support DOJ Sec. Leila de Lima in using everything at her disposal to prevent GMA from leaving, to the point of courting a legal showdown with the High Court. Anyway, there is no urgency for GMA to leave the country, save for her rush to flee from the charges filed against her,” said Casino in a statement.
“GMA Ikulong, Huwag Patakasin” is the battle cry of Akbayan Representatives Walden Bello and Kaka Bag-ao.
Casino said De Lima has the duty to use all legal and administrative remedies against the Arroyos but he urged her to file the cases against them in court as soon as possible.
Gabriela Representative Luzviminda Ilagan said de Lima was correct in distrusting the Arroyos because they have lied before.
“There is no urgent and compelling reason for the Arroyos to leave. The former President’s medical condition hardly qualifies as an emergency and is far from being a situation of life and death. The extent of the crimes that they have to answer for in the interest of justice and accountability far outweighs the supposed personal health risks that Filipino doctors and facilities can adequately address.”