The One That Got Away

The unexpected acquittal of former President and current Pampanga Representative Gloria Macapagal Arroyo has caused a huge political turmoil. With this, former President Benigno Aquino III turns towards the Supreme Court of Justice, pressing them for an explanation. As the noise in the government grows louder, many are left thinking just how did this happen. How could Arroyo go off scot free?

The acquittal happened last July 19, when the Supreme Court tallied the vote count of 11 in approval and 4 in disapproval. Of course, certain groups like Sandiganbayan, the prosecution, and former members of the Aquino Cabinet pushed through for the basis of this decision. Arroyo’s political enemies did not react well, as expected.

To understand where the two oppositions stand, let us look back on both accounts. The infamous Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO) scandal where an alleged misuse of funds was committed by Arroyo was just junked. According to investigations, a total of 365 million pesos was released by the PCSO over the course of 3 years. 244.5 million of the said amount was transferred over to the Office of the President; the transaction was stated in the report of PCSO Budget and Accounts Manager, Benigno Aguas. According to the Arroyo administration, the sum was reallocated towards actions related to kidnapping, bomb threat investigations, terrorism countermeasures, and security relations.

However, Aquino restated the PCSO’s charter in his argument. Nowhere in the contract does it state that the funds can be used for such reasons. A huge bulk of money, at 66.9 percent, was used for activities not sanctioned by the charter of PCSO. Furthermore, the PCSO charter provides penalties for those who utilize the agency’s funds in ways that it was not intended for.

Despite what the sides have to say, people have scoffed at the issue; perhaps because they have grown tired of the so-called bickering between the one who legally stole from public funds and the one who continues to blame all around.

From an overview, the Arroyo administration seemed to have assisted and urged such poor managerial performance. If not, then how could such transactions repeat over periods of time? Results are reflected from those who manage the system; what kind of superior advocates such irresponsible management? However, the law has given its jurisdiction. While some may disagree with the decision the Supreme Court has arrived, it must be realized that the law entitles equal justice to all. President Estrada knew this; perhaps President Aquino would come to know this, too. But that does not mean the people should be satisfied with jurisdiction. Simply accusing would be pointless, so let us at least be watchful of the workings in our government and have the courage to act when an anomaly occurs; let us not repeat the mistakes of the past.

#Politics #GloriaArroyo