Panelo issues, then withdraws statement saying ‘it’s about time’ Arroyo was freed

President Rodrigo Duterte’s chief legal counsel Salvador Panelo issued a statement saying “it’s about time” former President and Pampanga Rep. Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo plunder case is dismissed — only to retract it less than an hour later.

“It's about time... All the respondents have been released ‘di ba?” Panelo, speaking to reporters in Malacañang, said of the Supreme Court (SC) ruling.

SC spokesperson Ted Te said the en banc, in a vote of 11-4, ruled to dismiss the case due to weak evidence presented by the prosecution team.

Arroyo was under hospital detention at the Veterans Memorial Medical Center since 2012 over the alleged misuse of P366-million in intelligence funds of state lottery firm Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO).

“Ang conspiracy kasi, the act of one is the act of all, The reverse is true the innocence of one is the innocence of all. Yun ‘yun e,” Panelo added.

Some 30 minutes later, Panelo retracted his statement, saying he would first read the ruling of the High Court.

Last April, Panelo shared on social media photos of him attending the birthday party of Arroyo in her La Vista residence. Panelo had already been supporting the presidential candidacy of Duterte then.

In a separate statement, Communications Secretary Martin Andanar urged concerned parties to “respect and abide” by the decision.

“The Supreme Court has spoken...Let us respect and abide by the High Court’s decision,” Andanar said. —JST, GMA News