Davao City Mayor Rodrigo Duterte said on Sunday (February 7), that if ever he wins the presidential election, he is open for a possibility of releasing former president Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo from detention.
Duterte, who is a lawyer, said that the plunder case against the former president has “weak evidence.” He said that Arroyo’s trial has been going on for so long, citing that everyone has a right to a speedy trial.
The Davao City Mayor and presidential candidate once worked during Arroyo’s administration as a consultant on public safety and order.
Arroyo filed a petition to the Supreme Court last year, contesting the denial of the Sandiganbayan on her motion for bail and demurrer of evidence. According to Arroyo’s camp, the deterioration of her health is caused by her continued detention.
However, he will allow the court to continue Arroyo’s case even she is released from detention, Duterte clarified
Based on the Commission on Election’s data, Pampanga is one of the provinces with highest number of voters with over 1.2 million registered voters.
