Does PH Justice Finding Her Way?

President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo

Could justice be served for Filipinos in which "they truly deserve", now former President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo is arrested for the alleged electoral fraud charges against her?

"It is our desire that truth and accountability prevail and that the Filipino people be given the justice they truly deserve," Justice Secretary Leila de Lima told reporters.

The news said that Arroyo's right to travel for a medical treatment of her bone ailment was upheld by the Higher Court. But later the lower court formally pursued the charges and issued a warrant of arrest that prevented her to leave the country.

Barring Arroyo to leave the country is of national interest and the "uncovering the truth was more important that an individual's right to travel."

At St. Luke’s Medical Center in Taguig City, Arroyo was arrested Friday two hours after the warrant of arrest was issued by Judge Jesus Mupas of Pasay City Regional Trial Court Branch 112 for the nonbailable offense, said the news.

The following day, Arroyo’s lawyer, Raul Lambino, challenged the Pasay City Regional Trial Court's order for her arrest. Lambino said that there  had been a violation of due process.

On the other hand, Professor Ernesto P. Adorio in his blog, The Aquino Presidency: 2010-2016 points out "the spectacle of a once powerful president" and outlines the following anomalous activities of the former President Arroyo:

  "1. Participated actively in pursuing contracts with ZTE.
  "2. Had a secretary of agriculture transfer a lot of money to her presidential campaign.
  "3. Supported the politically savvy Ampatuan family and got 100% votes in their area of influence
  "4. Travelled around the world, costing the Republic more than a billion of pesos!
  "5. Prevented a logical family planning program because she is a good Catholic.
  "6. Selected a classmate of her husband to head the Ombudsman."

Well, if she's proven guilty beyond reasonable doubt by the court "surely goodness and mercy" shall not follow her, but surely the Filipino people will be glad, satisfied for justice has taken her course.

In Philippine history, Arroyo is now the second Philippine president arrested to face trial, after her predecessor, Joseph Estrada, was forced to step down in a 2001 military-backed revolt on corruption charges and was sentenced to life. But later he was pardoned by Arroyo.

In this present scenario, who is happy? Does justice find her way now and the culprit be punished according to the weight and extent of her crime committed?

Let justice prevail! But God is fair and just Judge!

Arrest warrant issued for Philippines' Arroyo (video) - AlJazeerEnglish's Channel (source).



Update: Manila Bulletin Online: Hospital Arrest OK'd