‘No proof vs GMA in PCSO plunder charge’

MANILA, Philippines - Pampanga Rep. Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, through her new defense lawyers led by Modesto Ticman Jr., is trying to convince the Sandiganbayan that there is no evidence that she stole from Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO) funds, as alleged by the Office of the Ombudsman.

“There is no strong evidence that ill-gotten wealth was amassed, accumulated or acquired by any of the accused as in fact the existence of such ill-gotten wealth was not clearly established,” Ticman said as he asked the anti-graft court to reverse its November 2012 decision and grant his client bail.

Ticman said his client should be granted bail, just as her co-accused former PCSO board members Sergio Valencia, Raymundo Roquero and Manuel Morato were granted temporary liberty last year.

He said that like her three co-accused, Arroyo “did not participate in the processing of the disbursement vouchers covering the releases of the Confidential and Intelligence Funds to accused (former PCSO general manager Rosario) Uriarte, in releasing the subject CIF and in receiving the funds constituting the same.”

Ticman added that unlike her three co-accused, Arroyo “did not appoint or designate Uriarte as the Special Disbursing Office for the CIF that she (Uriarte) received as these were all done by the PCSO board of directors in three board resolutions without the participation, intervention or involvement of (Arroyo) at all.”

Arroyo has been under hospital arrest at the Veterans Memorial Medical Center since October 2012.