Palace downplays ‘Arroyo-underdog’ scenario

Malacañang downplayed over the weekend speculations that former President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo may benefit from an “underdog" scenario amid recent allegations linking her to plunder and poll fraud. Deputy presidential spokesperson Abigail Valte also said the Palace is not concerned if Arroyo will get sympathy, saying the former president and now Pampanga Representative was merely following the rules of procedure. “Hindi tayo concerned sa particular fact na yan [getting sympathy]. Ang pagpunta ni dating Pangulong Arroyo sa Department of Justice (DOJ) is to subscribe her counter-affidavit," Valte said on government-run dzRB radio. Arroyo went to the DOJ in Manila last Friday to file a counter-affidavit contesting the plunder charges lodged against her. Earlier, suspended Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao Gov. Zaldy Ampatuan and former Maguindanao poll supervisor Lintang Bedol linked Arroyo to poll fraud in 2004 and 2007. The claims of Ampatuan and Bedol have prompted Commission on Elections Chairman Sixto Brillantes Jr. to say earlier this week the poll body may have to get Arroyo’s side in an investigation. Arroyo’s camp has denied the claims, accusing Malacañang of conducting a “well-funded and well-orchestrated" smear drive against Mrs. Arroyo. But Valte said Arroyo’s presence at the DOJ Friday was more of following the rules of procedure where one is required to personally file a counter-affidavit. “Kailangan talaga gawin in person, di yan pwede in absentia," she said. Valte declined to say if the case against Arroyo will be sustained, saying it has to be “based on evidence." “The prosecutors will resolve the preliminary investigation and will give resolution based on evidence. So, objective evidence ang hinahanap diyan (So what we are looking for is objective evidence)," she said. — LBG, GMA News