THE Pasay Regional Trial Court (RTC) has dismissed the electoral sabotage case filed against former President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo in connection with the 2007 senatorial elections.
The case was dismissed after the Pasay RTC Branch 112 granted the demurer to evidence filed by Arroyo, saying that the prosecution failed to prove that the former President manipulated the 2007 elections in Maguindanao.
The demurrer to evidence is an appeal that cites insufficiency of evidence. When granted by the court, the case gets dismissed without the defense presenting the evidence.
"For failure of the prosecution to prove the guilt of accused Arroyo beyond reasonable doubt and moral certainty despite ample opportunity and even and even without evidence in favor or said accused. The demurer to evidence is granted and the charge of electoral sabotage against accused Arroyo is hereby ordered dismissed," the decision stated.
The court has also ordered the return of the P1-million bail bond posted by Arroyo for her provisional liberty.
The case against Arroyo alleged that she ordered the late Maguindanao governor Andal Ampatuan Sr. to manipulate the 2007 senatorial elections to ensure a 12-0 win for the Team Unity senatorial ticket.
Judge Jesus Mupas of the Pasay RTC Branch 112 said the witnesses failed to prove the allegation.
"As noted by the Court, the Information is silent as to how accused Arroyo wanted accused Ampatuan to 'ensure' such victory. There is no allegation in the Information that accused Arroyo ordered, or even suggested, that election documents be tampered with, or that votes for any candidate be increased or decreased," Mupas said.
According to the court, the testimony of witness Engr. Norie Unas, which was uncorroborated by other witnesses, was not believable.
Unas was the one who claimed that Arroyo instructed Ampatuan to ensure the victory of the Team Unity senatorial ticket.
According to Arroyo's legal counsel Ferdinand Topacio, the acquittal serves as a great vindication for Arroyo.
“The Arroyo family is grateful for the gift of justice given them, which they say is the best New Year’s gift they can ever hope to receive. They reiterate their faith in the justice system, and express their gratitude to those who stood by them in their trying times, and who never wavered in their belief of Mrs. Arroyo’s innocence," Topacio said.
Topacio said there are no more cases pending before the court against Arroyo, who now serves as Speaker of the House of Representatives. (SunStar Philippines)