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Arroyo thanks Duterte, Supreme Court

ABS-CBN News

<div class="embed-wrap"><figure data-feedback="fb:likes,fb:comments"><img src=" http://sa.kapamilya.com/absnews/abscbnnews/media/news-special1/nation/07/19/arroyo-duterte-071916.jpg"/><figcaption><div class="embed-desc">Former President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo andPresident Rodrigo Duterte. <em>Composite Image</em></div></figcaption></figure></div><p>MANILA - Former President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo has thanked President Rodrigo Duterte and the Supreme Court, after winning her plea to effectively dismiss her plunder case.</p><p>&quot;I extend my heartfelt appreciation to the honorable members of the Supreme Court for finally stopping the persecution I had unjustly gone through the last five years. My most profound appreciation to His Excellency Rodrigo Duterte for allowing due process to take its course,&quot; said Arroyo Tuesday.</p><p>Duterte had said during the campaign period that if elected, he will <a href="http://news.abs-cbn.com/nation/05/23/16/duterte-ready-to-pardon-arroyo">release Arroyo</a> from detention.</p><p>Arroyo was sued for the questionable release of P366 million in Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO) intelligence funds in her last two years as chief executive.</p><p>She has been under hospital arrest for 5 years due to health reasons.</p><p>READ: <a href="http://news.abs-cbn.com/nation/06/30/16/duterte-rule-excites-arroyo">Duterte rule excites Arroyo</a></p><figure class="op-interactive"><div style="padding-top:66.375%"><div id="IVS_ABS_Body_Video_1_Container"> <ivs-player id="IVS_ABS_Body_Video_1" data-ivs-spid="3001339" data-ivs-key="e8c22c015ca9eafa76f1e3edfa03c603" data-ivs-vid="1468411" data-ivs-floating="1"></ivs-player> <script src="https://player.ivideosmart.com/ivsplayer/v4/dist/js/iframe-parent.js"></script> <script src="https://player.ivideosmart.com/ivsplayer/v4/dist/js/loader.js"></script> </div></div></figure><p>But on Tuesday, the Supreme Court <a href="http://news.abs-cbn.com/news/07/19/16/sc-grants-arroyo-plea-orders-her-release">ordered Arroyo&#x27;s release</a> when it granted Arroyo&#x27;s demurrer to evidence and reversed the Sandiganbayan First Division&#x27;s April 6, 2015 and September 10, 2015 resolutions.</p><p>&quot;With the High Tribunal rendering a final decision on this unfortunate episode, I sincerely hope that everyone will respect and recognize the truth that has been established,&quot; Arroyo said.</p><p>&quot;Keep the faith in the justice system,&quot; she added, while also thanking God for letting &quot;justice and righteousness&quot; prevail in what she claimed as &quot;injustice and wrongdoing.&quot;</p><p>Arroyo thanked her supporters too and said she was hoping that political persecution would soon stop.</p><p>&quot;It is my fervent hope that nobody else will suffer the persecution that had been levied on me through self-serving interpretation and implementation of the law,&quot; Arroyo said.</p><p>Arroyo also said those responsible for the &quot;persecution&quot; should be held accountable.</p><p>&quot;And that the disregard of truth for which I was made to suffer be dealt with accordingly at the soonest possible time,&quot; Mrs. Arroyo said.</p><figure class="op-interactive"><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameBorder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/EAJ68JUMnic?rel=0&amp;showinfo=0" width="510"></iframe></figure>

MANILA - Former President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo has thanked President Rodrigo Duterte and the Supreme Court, after winning her plea to effectively dismiss her plunder case. 