Republic of the Philippines

House of Representatives

OFFICE OF HON. JOSEPH VICTOR G. EJERCITO

Representative, Lone District – San Juan City

PRESS RELEASE

15 November 2011

Contact Person: Kathleen Tan

0927797134

JV URGES AQUINO GOV’T –

FILE CASE AGAINST ARROYO, LET HER SEEK MEDICAL ATTENTION

Given that the Aquino administration already determined probable cause against Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, Representative JV Ejercito then urged the government to immediately file cases against her in court so that for humanitarian considerations, the former president can be given permission to seek medical treatment abroad.

The solon from San Juan said, “When the Aquino government rejected GMA’s appeal for medical treatment abroad, we assume that the prohibition of her travel meant they were able to establish probable cause against her, and that cases are all ready to be immediately filed in court.”

And so as a preventive measure, Ejercito urged the government, “Before letting GMA go to seek medical treatment abroad, the Aquino government may consider filing cases against her so that at the very least, they could avoid being outwitted by the former president.”

Remarking on the claims of the Arroyo camp that the former president’s health is failing, the lawmaker said, “I understand GMA’s health condition may worsen anytime soon kung totoo nga talaga ang sakit na binabanggit nila. If that will be the case, baka nga mas mabuting payagan na natin siya.”

He felt that all the speculation on her true condition is not building good faith among those concerned. Ejercito then sympathized with the Arroyos and said, “If this is indeed an ailment that cannot be treated here and where facilities for best care are available only outside the country, then I suppose this government can also extend to her the same compassion and humanitarian consideration that was given to my father when he sought surgery in Hong Kong.”

The lawmaker went on to say, “I understand this government only wants to protect the interest of the people but they must not forget too that justice should be swift and should never take its sweet time especially when the right to life and health of anyone is also in the balance.”

Finally he stressed, “In the end, we will know anyway if GMA’s seeking for medical attention abroad is genuine. Her return after treatment will be the basis of her claims as to being truly sick and not guilty.”