CANDABA--Former Candaba mayor and Pampanga Mayors League president Jerry Pelayo, a known ally of former President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, yesterday stressed that the solon will prioritize her legislative work and health concerns after the Supreme Court (SC) cleared her of plunder on Tuesday.
After almost five years of hospital arrest, the SC dismissed Arroyo's plunder case for "insufficiency of evidence" and ordered her "immediate release" in an 11-4 vote. She is expected to be freed today.
Pelayo, who was with Arroyo during the announcement, said that the Pampanga second district representative is very grateful that justice has finally been served and that due process has finally taken course.
"Isa tayo sa mga unang nandoon pagkatapos nating marinig yung balita para ipakita yung suporta. Syempre, very grateful kaming lahat na nandoon. Akala nga namin marerelease na siya sa Veterans [Memorial Medical Center] kahapon kaso hindi natapos ang papeles pero nonetheless, we are still thankful," Pelayo said.
Pelayo added that Arroyo is expected to attend to her legislative duties as representative as soon as possible to give back the support of her kabalens, as well as look after her urgent health issue.
"Sa pag-uusap namin kahapon, ang main concern ay makapag pa check-up muna siya, tapos siyempre bumawi sa pagtulong sa Pampanga, sa second district na hindi talaga siya iniwan," he added.
Pelayo furthered that the support of Arroyo to some of the programs of President Rodrigo Duterte will help in bringing progress to her district, as well as the whole of Pampanga.
However, Pelayo said he does not have information yet on Arroyo's homecoming in the province but expressed optimism on her attendance in the thanksgiving mass being organized by Governor Lilia Pineda.
"May isang misa na gagawin sa Lubao yata hosted by Governor Pineda but party, hindi ko sure. Kasi ang alam ko personally gusto niya misa lang," he said.
Meanwhile, Pelayo disclosed that Arroyo is planning to attend the first State of the Nation Address of President Duterte on July 25 if her health condition permits her.