If she wins the presidency, Senator Grace Poe vowed to work for the speedy resolution of cases that have been clogging the dockets of the judiciary, including that of former President and now Pampanga Rep. Gloria Macapagal Arroyo.
“What we all want is a swift prosecution of cases because when the process is prolonged, like in the case of GMA and many others who are still in jail with no certainty, that would be unjust,” Poe said in Angeles City following a consultation meeting with residents.
Poe made the remark in response to a quation about Arroyo who has remained under “hospital arrest” at the Veterans Memorial Medical Center in Quezon City with a incurable disease although all her co-respondents have been released on bail.
Arroyo is charged of plunder before the Sandiganbayan in connection with the alleged misuse of P366 million in Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office intelligence funds for personal gain from 2008 to 2010.
Poe said there can be no justice if one is held in detention for a long time because his or her case is being unjustifiably dragged.
“My prayer for all and for the country is to have an efficient justice system. Those who have committed a crime should be made to pay,” said Poe.
The front runner in all presidential surveys also believes that if the guilt of a person has not yet been proven, he has the right to be free.
“What is just being said is for the speedy disposition of cases, whatever the decision of the court,” she said.
“I don’t believe in kicking a person especially when he or she is already down, especially if that is the situation. Why would I be hostile especially in a situation like that?” she asked.
Arroyo defeated the late Fernando Poe Jr., the adoptive father of the senator, in the 2004 presidential elections. However, the camp of FPJ claimed the late actor was cheated, a charge Arroyo has repeatedly denied.