Palace vows to respect SC acquittal of Arroyo

MANILA, Philippines — Malacañang vowed Tuesday to respect the Supreme Court (SC) ruling that dismissed the plunder charge against former President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo.

 

RELATED: Supreme Court frees Gloria Macapagal Arroyo

 

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

 

Presidential spokesman Ernesto Abella said the executive branch recognizes the high court’s independence and would abide by its decision.

 

Presidential peace adviser Jesus Dureza, a former Cabinet member of the Arroyo administration, said he was elated by the high court’s ruling. Dureza served as Arroyo’s Cabinet and press secretary.

 

RELATED: Senators throw mixed reactions over SC ruling to free Arroyo

 

“We see that justice has been served with the decision of the Supreme Court,” Dureza said.

 

“I rejoice over this decision that has already given her what she rightly deserves which is justice,” he added.

 

Dureza said he and Arroyo talked about the SC decision over the phone Tuesday. 

 

“I congratulated her and from the background, I can hear so many people. Many people visited her,” he said.

Arroyo also thanked supporters in a statement Tuesday. She also thanked President Rodrigo Duterte for "allowing due process to take its course" and the SC justices for finally deciding on the case she had "unjustly gone through the last five years."

 

"With the high tribunal rendering a final decision on this unfortunate episode, I sincerely hope that everyone will respect and recognize the truth that has been established," the former president said.

 

RELATED: SC acquittal proves ‘political persecution’ by Aquino - Arroyo camp

 

Last May, Duterte disclosed that Arroyo had refused his offer of pardon because it would require her to admit an offense. Duterte believes that the plunder case filed against the former president is weak.

 

“Arroyo to my mind should also be released because all the others who were charged in connection with the (Philippine Charity) Sweepstakes (Office) expenditure of intelligence funds have been released,” he said in a press conference last May 23. — with reports from Levi A. So, Lorenzo Acuña and Natasha Isidro