Gwen happy over Arroyo's release

 CEBU, Philippines - Pampanga Rep. Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, last Wednesday.

Garcia yesterday said that the wheels of justice continue to turn when Arroyo was released after eight months of detention at the Veterans Memorial Medical Center (VMMC) in Quezon City where she was undergoing treatment for her ailments.

“Personally, as one who knew her, I am happy for her,” Garcia told reporters.

Garcia said that Arroyo is now allowed certain liberties which were not allowed for her while she was under arrest even though she was confined in the hospital.

“Now she can go back and exercise certain liberties that are denied of her,” she said.

Garcia believed that by so doing, Arroyo can be even more productive as she is one of the most productive presidents.

Arroyo was released after posting P1-million bail for her temporary liberty in an electoral sabotage case involving alleged cheating in Maguindanao during the May 2007 mid-term elections.

Pasay City Regional Trial Court (RTC) Judge Jesus Mupas granted bail after the prosecution reportedly failed to present a strong case in its opposition to Arroyo’s bail petition.

Both Arroyo and Garcia are now facing separate criminal charges before the Sandiganbayan.

Government  prosecutors last week filed separate plunder charges at the Sandiganbayan against Arroyo and nine other former officials for the alleged misuse of P365 million from Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office funds.

Graft charges on the Balili land deal were also filed by the Ombudsman before the Sandiganbayan a week after that of Arroyo.

Interestingly, charges of both officials were raffled on the same day.

Garcia already posted P90,000 bail at P30,000 each for the two graft cases and a technical malversation case pending the issuance of the warrant of arrest.  (FREEMAN)