Arroyo disappointed with Revilla’s guilty vote – lawmaker

Former President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo CONTRIBUTED PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines – Minority Leader Danilo Suarez said former President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo was disappointed Tuesday with Senator Ramon Revilla Jr. for voting to convict her appointee, Chief Justice Renato Corona.

Suarez told reporters that Revilla had informed top officials Lakas Christian Muslim Democrats of his vote as early as Monday night after the prosecution and defense made their closing arguments.

“He (Revilla) told us it was a personal decision and that it should not be taken as a party matter,” said Suarez. Revilla is president and vice chair of Lakas-CMD.

“We informed the former president of [Revilla’s] decision and she was disappointed,” Suarez said.

A congressional source said that Revilla had decided to go with the “emerging majority vote” in the Senate because there was not enough senators to acquit him.

Suarez said that he was leaving Arroyo’s fate to the “heavens” with Corona’s conviction.

“We all saw how the government used its resources to kick out the Chief Justice. I think (she) is helpless with all the resources of the state at the President’s disposal. I still believe in the President’s honesty and I hope he will give everybody a fair shake, including going after his own people who are also corrupt,” said Suarez.