“2011 should be the year justice is served to Arroyo”—Akbayan

Akbayan Party today said 2011 must be the year when former President and current Pampanga Rep. Gloria Macapagal Arroyo is formally charged and punished for her direct involvement in the alleged 2004 election cheating.

“This year must be the year of justice. This should be the year when Ms. Arroyo and her cabal of election saboteurs are formally charged and put behind bars by the Aquino government,” Akbayan Spokesperson Risa Hontiveros said.

Hontiveros said that 2011 must also be remembered as “the year of breaking from a corrupt past.”

“We must end the culture of cynicism and corruption which were the legacy of the previous administration. This year must bear witness to significant victories against corruption.”

Hontiveros made the statement after Arroyo allies-turned whistleblowers said large amounts of money were distributed during the 2004 elections in order to secure the victory of Arroyo. The witnesses made the accusation before an investigation by the Senate blue ribbon committee.

“The statements made by these whistleblowers specifically the information detailing the extent, process, and execution of the election cheating only strengthened the allegations we asserted seven years ago. It only proved that Ms. Arroyo was an illegitimate president who rose to power in 2004 through illegal means,” Hontiveros added.

Hontiveros who was also a former partylist lawmaker said they look forward to President Benigno Aquino III leading the filing of raps against Arroyo.

“The President has already put just closure on the attempt by certain groups to paint the Marcos regime in a good light which together with the Arroyo government were the two darkest parts of our political history. I’m confident that he will do the same with Arroyo,” Hontiveros said.

“The people have patiently waited for this moment. We are not obsessed with the Arroyos. Rather, we are passionate with the pursuit of justice. Hence, we anticipate that President Aquino will end this year with the triumph of justice,” Hontiveros ended.

It was reported that President Aquino himself ordered the filing of raps against Arroyo. Aquino said charges would be filed against Arroyo this November