Republic of the Philippines

House of Representatives

OFFICE OF HON. JOSEPH VICTOR G. EJERCITO

Representative, Lone District – San Juan City

PRESS STATEMENT

16 November 2011

ON THE ARROYO COUPLE’S ATTEMPT TO LEAVE THE COUNTRY

For humanitarian reasons, I was already about to change my position regarding GMA's treatment abroad. But after last night's commotion at the airport, I am now questioning the motives of the Arroyos even more. The Supreme Court TRO which allowed her to leave came out late in the afternoon, but as soon as 7:45pm, they were about to board the flight for Singapore. Why in such a hurry Madame GMA and FG? I am now in doubt as to the motive of their insistence to leave the country right away.

The Arroyos’ haste ignites public suspicion. One really can’t help but wonder why immediately after the “almost after office-hours” release of the TRO, the Arroyos easily produced the millions of cash bond, picked up their packed suitcases and headed straight to the airport. This is also reminiscent of those express midnight deals that the former President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo is famous for, unfolding before our very eyes. The Arroyo couple could have spared themselves this fiasco had they opted to travel the following day in broad daylight, especially after a hard day in court and when CGMA seem to not be feeling so well.

Nevertheless, the Supreme Court has already given the go signal for the Arroyos to leave. The decision may be legally correct, but it is contrary to the people's will. The Department of Justice seemed to have played so well last night a convincing last-ditch effort to show a government determined to stop the Arroyos from leaving. While both the judiciary and the executive branches were only performing their mandate, I continue to hope that the public servants working under both branches of the government are indeed making all these decisions and actions based on legal grounds and in the interest of the people; not because they are beholden to anyone for any personal gain, or worse an elaborate attempt of deception.

Now more than ever, with or without the Arroyos around, the Aquino government must file immediately all necessary legal cases against them, as I have urged repeatedly.

At this point, should the Arroyos succeed to leave anytime soon, we can only hope that the Arroyo camp is telling the truth and immediately seek medical treatment instead of political asylum. I still pray that she recovers well and hopefully comes back to face all the allegations set against her.

In the event that the Arroyos do not return, then we can presume they are guilty as charged. To flee from one’s country to escape from charges of high crimes, denying one’s self the opportunity to prove innocence, constantly hiding from the truth, and becoming a restless fugitive of the law in a foreign land are self-induced punishments -- a semblance of life in hell. I hope this is not the kind of life the Arroyos want to live.