Gov’t lawyers to rest plunder case vs GMA

MANILA, Philippines - Ombudsman prosecutors yesterday informed the Sandiganbayan that they are ready to end their presentation of evidence against Pampanga Rep. Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo and her co-accused in the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO) plunder case.

Modesto Ticman Jr., lead counsel for the former president, sees the sudden decision of government lawyers to rest their case against Arroyo as a welcome development.

“At least the case is nearing its end. Personally I was surprised because two or three hearings ago, the prosecution manifested that they have six to 10 witnesses more,” Ticman said.

With the prosecution’s latest move, he said the defense is now considering the filing of a demurrer to evidence.

A demurrer to evidence is a pleading that seeks the dismissal of the case based on the argument that the defense does not even have to present defense witnesses and evidence to absolve the accused since the prosecution’s evidence is weak and can be a basis for the dismissal of the complaint.

Ticman said he is hopeful that the Sandiganbayan First Division will eventually decide in favor of Arroyo, who remains under hospital arrest at the Veterans Memorial Medical Center.

The former president, 67, is facing trial for plunder for her alleged involvement in the misuse of PCSO’s confidential and intelligence funds from 2008 to 2010.

Her co-accused include former PCSO officials and ex-Commission on Audit chief Reynaldo Villar who had been arrested recently.