Former President and now Pampanga representative Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo.
Former President and now Pampanga representative Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo.

CITY OF SAN FERNANDO, Pampanga, July 19 (PNA) — Most Kapampangans were elated with the decision of the Supreme Court (SC) on Tuesday that acquitted their fellow Cabalen — former President and now Representative Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo — on the plunder case filed against her.

In an 11-4 vote, the High Tribunal granted Arroyo’s petition seeking the dismissal of her remaining plunder case at the Sandiganbayan for the alleged misuse of the Php366-million Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO) fund.

Governor Lilia Pineda said that they were happy with the decision of the High Court, saying the acquittal of the former President is a welcome development to all Kapampangans.

“We would like to thank God that finally she will be freed. Her freedom could help a lot in the continuing development of Pampanga,” Pineda said.

The governor, however, expressed concern on the health condition of Arroyo as she wished that the former president be allowed to undergo treatment abroad.

”I hope that upon her release from the hospital arrest, she (Arroyo) could seek treatment because she is continuously losing weight. What is important is she could undergo treatment abroad,” Pineda said.

She said that a thanksgiving celebration is now being prepared for the former President.

“There will be thanksgiving mass in her hometown Lubao in celebration for the dismissal of the plunder case being filed against her and of course for the improvement of her health condition,” the governor said.

Likewise, Arroyo’s constituents in the province’s second district were happy as they asked the public to respect and welcome the decision of the High Court.

Leah Canlas, a second year student of Don Honorio Ventura Technological State University in Bacolor, said that she is very happy now that their representative has finally been cleared from the plunder case.

Pampanga Governor Lilia Pineda.
Pampanga Governor Lilia Pineda.

“Despite being in a hospital arrest for years, she (Arroyo) never neglected us. As our representative, she has been doing a lot of projects and programs here. Thus, we thank the Supreme Court for the decision,” Canlas said.

Romeo Sandoval, a tricycle driver from Guagua town, also hailed the Supreme Court decision.

”Of course, we, the Kapampangans, are glad and welcome the new development. Let us now move on and unite for the welfare of our nation,” he said.

Gina dela Pena, a teacher from Sta. Rita town, also thanked the Supreme Court for ruling in favor of Arroyo.

“Now that she (Arroyo) is freed, we believe that she could do more as a lawmaker. Despite her physical absence as our representative, she has been implementing a lot of projects here. What we are praying now is for the improvement of her health condition,” she added. (PNA)
LAP/ZST/PS