Reform mov’t blames Aquino govt’s failure to file charges vs. Arroyo

Pagbabago! People’s Movement for Change opposes attempts by former President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo and husband Mike Arroyo to leave the country pending investigation and resolution of cases of plunder, election fraud and grave human rights violations filed against GMA.

“We oppose attempts by GMA and FG to leave the country and evade prosecution and punishment of their crimes committed against the people,” said Fr. Joe Dizon, spokesperson of Pagbabago!

Pagbabago! assailed the Supreme Court’s decision in issuing the temporary restraining order that in effect would allow GMA to leave and would render the case moot and academic.  Pagbabago took note of the speed with which the SC granted the TRO while human rights cases of activists assassinated or abducted by death squads or illegally arrested and detained like labor leader Crispin Beltran take years to be acted upon, if at all.

Despite the posture of the majority of SC justices that the TRO granted the Arroyos is anchored on their constitutional right to travel, it would appear that what mattered most is that it is Mrs. Arroyo, their erstwhile political patron, whose case is at bar.

Pagbabago! supports the efforts of Justice Secretary De Lima to bar the Arroyos from leaving.  At the same time, it assailed Malacañang for not doing its job and acting on its repeated promises to have Mrs. Arroyo’s high crimes properly investigated, and charges filed to prevent GMA and her cohorts’ escape from justice.

“At the end of the day, Malacañang is to blame on why the Arroyos were able to maneuver its way around the justice system,” said Fr. Dizon.

Fr. Dizon contrasted the Aquino Administration’s failure to the success of the Arroyo administration in putting former Pres. Joseph Estrada behind bars after the group Plunder Watch filed the necessary complaints with the Ombudsman for non-bailable case of plunder after Mr. Esrada’s ouster from Malacanang.

“The Aquino Administration is liable should the Arroyos escape accountability,” Fr. Dizon added.###