Former President, now Pampanga 2nd district Rep. Gloria
Macapagal-Arroyo beamed as she joined media in private socials in
Manila in her 1st public appearance since allegations of wrongdoings
were made against her.
Arroyo gamely mingled, table hopped and bantered with media off the
record. She was all smiles as each of the invitees of the parties took
turns having pictures with her.
She spent about an hour at the luncheon gathering.
Arroyo’s attendance at the State of the Nation Address of President
Aquino on Monday remains an open question.
Some sources familiar with her plans say she won’t. her spokesmen
remain mum on the issue. Another source said it is likely she will
attend just the morning session of the House on Monday.
Her legal spokesperson raul lambino did say that if he will be asked,
he would advise Arroyo to skip the SONA, considering she will most
likely just be attacked in the speech.
As this developed, Lambino rebutted statements made by Comelec
Chairman Sixto Brillantes claiming Fernando Poe Junior, and not
Arroyo, won the elections of 2004.
“Hindi natin masisisi si chairman brillates na magsabi ng personal
opinion. siya abugado ng kampo ni fpj sasabihin niya ano pinaglalaban
niya nuon. As a lawyer of course kahit na sinong abugado hahawak ng
ganiyang kasong mayroong legal compensation.”
Lambino also preferred not to issue statements on alleged new
witnesses claiming Arroyo had a hand in the manipulation of the
results of the 2004 elections. “Hindi ko alam kung sinabi na nila iyan
gusto rin naming Makita affidavits sino ba testigo at saan ba sila
assigned nung 2004 at gaano karami boto doon sa kaniyang
pinagserbisyuhan?
LAmbino reiterated that the issue of the 2004 elections is moot and
academic adding Arroyo’s proclamation by congress in 2004 is final
along with the dismissal of the electoral protest against her. “ wala
na magagawa roon anong kaso masasampa nila sa issue ng legitimacy ng
proclamation ni mrs arroyo resolevd with finality sa congressional
canvas nung 2004 at election protest 2 kaso iyan, at sa kaso ni loren
laban kay vp de castro. Walang basehan para baliktarin resulta ng
eleksyon nung 2004”
The electoral protest was dismissed by the Presidential electoral
tribunal after Poe’s death in late 2004.
Lambino also turned the tables on Presidential Spokesperson Edwin
Lacierda who told Lambino to shut up unless he can prove the
government is behind the revelations against Arroyo.
Lambino noted Lacierda himself admitted the revelations are coming
from them government. Lambino reiterated that the government is the
one using the revelations as a diversion for the Aquino
administration’s lack of accomplishment.
About 20 of Arroyo’s allies in the minority met with her and her legal
team at her house in La Vista Thursday to discuss recent political
developments.
Lambino said the unanimous consensus among allies was that the
attacks against Arroyo are diversionary tactics.
Lambino noted it was the victims of the Maguindanao massacre who
first linked the Aquino administration to the attacks on Arroyo in
exchange for leniency on zaldy Ampatuan. Lambino said Lacierda should
confirm if Aquino met with Ampatuan privately.
Lambino said Lacierda’s statements are but part of a creeping “ reign
of terror.”
Lambino noted Lacierda’s statements are similar to threats he’s been
receiving lately.”there’s acreeping reign of terror gusto ng palasyo
nagsaslaita nagsasabi ng katotohanan walang ginagawa kungdi
villification gusto patahimikin.”
Lambino noted minor election offenses for the 2004 elections have
already passed the 5 year prescription period. On the other hand,
charges for electoral sabotage are still within the20 year
prescriptive period since it carries a life imprisonment penalty.
“gusto masampahan ng kasong electoral sabotage kaya pinipilit hirap na hirap.”
Lambino asked Arroyo’s accusers and the government to come up with
sworn statements that can be rebutted instead of leaking snippets over
the media.
Lambino also said they will not oppose a recount of all the votes in
the 2004 elections though it will be a waste of time.
Lambino also criticized the justice department for making it appear
that being placed on an immigration watchlist is the same as being
given a hold departure order. Lambino notes the latter can only be
issued by a court.
Lambino also said Arroyo will face any other new witness that maybe
presented against Arroyo in the proper forum.
Lambino says through it all, Arroyo remains strong.
“matatag at maitibay pananampalataya, prayerful malakas
pananampalataya yun nakita ko sa kaniya I think mrs arroyo can face
accusers squarely in the right forum.”
