MANILA (Mindanao Examiner / Nov. 21, 2011) – Congressman Teddy Casiño on Monday called for a “full court press” against former President and now Congresswoman Gloria Arroyo who is facing electoral sabotage.
He also urged the Ombudsman to expedite the filing of the NBN-ZTE plunder case against Arroyo at the Sandiganbayan.
Casiño along with Bayan chairperson Carol Araullo and Makabayan vice-president Liza Maza also filed a motion to pre-empt a “motion for extension of time to file counter-affidavit” by Arroyo’s lawyers.
“Ombudsman Conchita Morales should expedite the case and file it with the Sandiganbayan within the week. It would be best for the Ombudsman and the Department of Justice to file as many cases against Arroyo at the swiftest possible time and without violating due process. The momentum for accountability has started and it should not stop until justice is fully served. Nothing less than Arroyo’s imprisonment is needed for justice to be achieved,” Casiño said.
Arroyo is accused of favoring the Chinese telecom company ZTE allegedly because of over P1 billion in bribes and kickbacks from the deal were earmarked for her husband, Jose Miguel Arroyo, and former Commission on Elections Chairman Benjamin Abalos, who is also included in the election sabotage.
Arroyo denied the charge, stressing that she cancelled the NBN-ZTE contract when the scandal broke out. Abalos and Arroyo’s husband also denied the allegations.
“We hope that this will be the case that will seal her fate in jail,” Casiño said.
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