'Tweet your support for GMA'

MANILA, Philippines - Just tweet to express your support.

The Arroyo camp declared this yesterday as they dismissed opinions that there was no public support against the alleged persecution of former President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo.

Lawyer Ferdinand Topacio said the Arroyo family has several supporters, but they have been discouraged from showing it in a “confrontational” manner.

“Di totoo yan (That’s not true),” he said in reaction to opinions that only the Arroyos are questioning the government’s actions. “She is not without support.”

Topacio said several lawyers have already expressed dismay over the executive branch’s defiance of the Supreme Court order allowing the Arroyo couple to leave the country.

Allies of the Aquino administration in the legislature have also expressed their dismay, he added.

Topacio said it is impossible for Arroyo not to receive public support because she is a lawmaker and has been voted president in 2004.

“You have to remember she’s a representative of a district in Pampanga. Nanalo siyang presidente (She won as president). They’ve been in power for nine years,” he said.

“Support should be in the form of prayers, write to the editor, tweet, wag lang yung (not) confrontational. Wag tayo mag-away (Let’s not fight),” he added.

Topacio said public demonstration could lead to chaos, which will “not do good” for the country.

Topacio said instead of protesting in public, Arroyo’s supporters should just pray for her speedy recovery.

“Prayer is more powerful. I think that would be the best way to show support,” he said.

Arroyo, 64, underwent three spine surgeries. She is also reportedly suffering from a bone mineral disorder.