STATEMENT OF SEN GUINGONA ON THE GRANTING OF BAIL TO GMA

While it is unfortunate that the court has granted bail to former president Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, I believe that she would not be as successful in the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO) Intelligence Fund case.

The evidence against her in the PCSO case is very strong. We must remember that she has never denied her participation in the approval of huge amounts of money. Her marginal notes of approval are on record, clearly affirmed and testified to by Rosario Uriarte, former General Manager of the PCSO.

The former president herself has not denied her participation in the release of huge funds of money in the guise of intelligence funds. In Section 13 of our Bill of Rights, when evidence of guilt is strong in offenses punishable by reclusion perpetua, bail cannot be granted."

While it is worrisome that GMA can now be released from detention, I strongly welcome that correct and legal decision of the Sandiganbayan to issue a hold departure order against her, especially considering her propensity to invent reasons to justify her grand plan to leave the country and escape prosecution for her crimes.