Has the Aquino government lost momentum in running after Arroyo?

Has the Aquino government lost momentum in running after Arroyo?

By BENJIE OLIVEROS
Bulatlat.com

The impeachment and eventual resignation of former ombudsman Merceditas Gutierrez, and the impeachment of former chief justice Renato Corona last year, which resulted in his removal this year, would surely banner the enumeration of accomplishments of President Benigno Aquino III. The removal of Gutierrez and Corona, the principal protectors of former president Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo and the biggest stumbling blocks to holding her to account for her crimes against the people, are laudable accomplishments.

However, these would lose its significance if the process falls short of bringing Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, her family and top officials to account for all their crimes against the people, to include plunder, electoral fraud and sabotage, and most especially extrajudicial killings, enforced disappearances and other human rights violations. It is a bad enough deed for a president and his or her family to dip their hands into the nation’s coffers; it becomes worse, if they also deny from the people, their only means of democratic participation: voting. Add these to the most terrible crimes of all: killing 1,026 people, and making 206 others disappear.

As of the present, the Aquino government has been able to file a case of electoral sabotage against Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo. This, it did shortly after Arroyo tried to sneak out of the country but was held at the departure area. The bail hearings have just been concluded – with Judge Jesus Mupas of the Pasay Regional Trial Court about to issue a decision on the petition – and the pre-trial has been set on August 23.

Also graft charges have been filed before the Sandiganbayan against Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo’s husband Miguel and 20 Philippine National Police (PNP) officials for the fraudulent sale of second-hand helicopters to the PNP, which were misrepresented as brand new. However, the wheels of justice in these cases have been grinding so slowly..... MORE

Source:  Bulatlat.com

URL: http://bulatlat.com/main/2012/07/13/has-the-aquino-government-lost-momentum-in-running-after-arroyo/