Gordon scores Ombudsman for ‘poor lawyering’ amid Arroyo acquittal

MANILA, Philippines— Sen. Richard Gordon on Wednesday welcomed the acquittal of former President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo as he scored the Office of the Ombudsman for “poor lawyering.”

“Sometimes you wonder whether these cases are prepared very well because it is the high court saying it lacks evidence,” Gordon told the Inquirer by phone.

“Now that she’s acquitted, where did all the years go?” said the lawmaker, who had served as Tourism Secretary under the Arroyo administration.

Gordon said it was clear that it was mainly for lack of evidence, not a humanitarian grant over Arroyo’s condition, that did the case in. Arroyo has been suffering from a degenerative problem in her cervical spine, which causes pain around her neck and arms.

“I’m happy she’s acquitted. The fact that she’s sick is of no moment in the case,” Gordon said.

He said cases against former Presidents, a “divisive” exercise seen in recent changes in administration, should only be pursued if complainants “have a very good case.” CDG