GMA case

FVR, CBCP

dismissal

posted July
21,
2016
am by Sandy Araneta

lauded
at

by

12:01

FORMER President Fidel V. Ramos on

Wednesday supported the release of
former
President
and
current
Pampanga Rep. Gloria Macapagal
Arroyo, describing the accusations of
plunder against her as shallow.
Her release from detention would also
enable Arroyo to join the National
Security Council (NSC) if it is convened
by President Rodrigo Duterte to discuss the countrys territorial dispute with China
over the West Philippine Sea, Ramos added.
Former presidents are ex-officio members of the NSC. Since GMA has been
released, we are now four, said Ramos.
Ramos said Aquino convened the NSC only once, several years ago.
Despite the Supreme Court ruling, Ombudsman Conchita Carpio-Morales on
Wednesday insisted that the prosecution provided enough evidence to convict
Arroyo of plunder.
Gloria Macapagal Arroyo
We believe that we were able to prove the guilt of GMA [Arroyo]
beyond reasonable doubt, she said. If the Supreme Court indeed believes that the
evidence of the prosecution is insufficient, we believe otherwise.
The Supreme Court, voting 11-4, favored Arroyos petition to junk the plunder case
against her, which stems from the release of intelligence funds from the Philippine
Charity Sweepstakes Office from 2008 to 2010 amounting to more than P366
million.
Morales said she has not received a copy of the ruling, but said she would study it
and consider filing a motion for reconsideration.
She also confirmed that her office was investigating yet another plunder case
against Arroyo over the alleged misuse of PCSO funds covering a different period.

The Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines called on the public and
government officials to respect the Supreme Court decision acquitting Arroyo of
plunder, and told the faithful not to be quick in condemning others but to find gifts
in people often discredited by society.
We must respect the Supreme Courts decision. You know, a decision like that
doesnt mean that the person isnt guilty of the charges against her; it just means
that what she was accused of doing wasnt proven to be true in court, Novaliches
Bishop Emeritus Teodoro Bacani said over Church-owned Radio Veritas.
Manila Archbishop Luis Antonio Cardinal Tagle, on the other hand, said, We must be
careful, the person we want to discredit might be a gift of God.
Jesus sees a gift even in Judas, he said. Theres hope even in someone who had
betrayed Jesus, the Cardinal said.
Not over yet. Ombudsman Conchita Carpio-Morales answers a question during a
news briefing in Quezon City over the acquittal of former President Gloria
Macapagal Arroyo. MANNY PALMERO
Mrs. Arroyo remains detained at the Veterans Memorial Medical Center in Quezon
City despite the Supreme Court order for her immediate release.
Court spokesman Theodore Te said the Court has not yet issued the daily certified
promulgated decision because the
justices have not yet signed it.
The main decision still has to be
finalized by the winning ponente
[writer] before it is circulated among
the justices for signatures where they
write if they concur, dissent or took no
part.
Once
the
signatures
are
completed, the decision will then be
submitted to the Chief Justice for final
signature and certification, Te said
Wednesday.
This, he added, meant that the release
of the ruling depends on how quickly all 15 justices sign the decision.
He said that the release should include separate opinions, both concurring and
dissenting, of the justices.
In Arroyos case, there are five opinions being finalized.

Associate Justice Lucas Bersamin wrote the main decision. Associate Justices Arturo
Brion and Estela Perlas-Bernabe have submitted separate concurring opinions while
Chief Justice Ma. Lourdes Sereno and Associate Justice Marvic Leonen also have
separate dissenting opinions.
In previous high-profile cases, the Court usually released the decision and opinions
two to three days after promulgation.
Sources said Leonen has not yet submitted his dissenting opinion as of Wednesday
afternoon.
But Te said the decision was on its way to being released.
Only after this is done can the Sandiganbayan implement the order to release
Arroyo.
Police security remained tight near the Veterans Memorial Medical Center where
Arroyo is detained.
The erstwhile presidents counsel, Laurence Hector Arroyo, said the 11-4 decision
that acquitted his client has not yet been signed by the justices, delaying her
release.
He said Mrs. Arroyo planned to attend the first State of the Nation Address of
President Rodrigo Duterte on July 25. With Rio N. Araja, Rey E. Requejo and
Vito Barcelo

Sample Editorial
Cell Phones in Our Schools
When you were a kid did you ever have to call your mother and the school wouldn't let
you? Kids today still have to call their mothers sometimes! But they school wont let them!
Schools have become much more strict about the phones even when its an emergency
sometimes. So thats why it would be a great thing if schools would let us have cell phones in
school
Cell phones have been an issue in schools ever since they became a bug thing amongst
teenagers. Sixth grader Amber H. says, There could be an emergency that no one knows about
and there might not be time to reach a phone! In a lot of schools teachers take it to far. They
take students cell phones even when they aren't using them and they are turned off and hidden so
that they don't disturb anybody. Teachers shouldn't be allowed to take cell phones when they
arent even bothering anyone they are put on silent and they are hidden from other classmates!
Just two years ago in October a girl took the case to the Supreme Court! She had had her cell

phone taken away. It was in her backpack turned off not disturbing anyone when the teacher saw
it and took it away and she never had it returned to her!
I wasnt even using it and the teacher saw it in my backpack and confiscated it! I tried
to explain that I had to have it for later that day when my practice was over but she wouldnt
listen! So many students bring their cell phones to school for reasons like that! Only to have
their teacher confiscate it!
Imagine this.. You live in lower Manhattan and your child goes to school nearby. Its
September 11th, 2001. You are working quietly and suddenly you hear a loud bang and look out
your window to see the North Tower of the twin towers in flames! At your child's school they
have been alerted. Suddenly the intercom comes and the principals voice blares over the
speaker, Students, get out your cell phones and call your parents immediately! They could use
the school phones but not only is there a line to use the phones the first person finds out the lines
are dead. Sure they could use the cell phones that the very few students brought to school but so
many students using five or six cell phones wouldnt you think that the battery would die out?!
How would a child reach their parents to tell them that they are ok? They cant!
In emergencies like it is very important to have a way for a child to reach their parents!
Sixth grader Mimi W. says, We need them in school because if there was an emergency and we
couldnt use the school phones for one reason or another we could pull out our cell phones!
Workshop 4, Beasley 2 Write in the Middle Anything can happen in our world today and having
a cell phone with your child at all times could save their life!
Cell phones should be allowed in schools but theyre not! They keep a child in touch
with their parents and are easy to keep up with! They can even save lives! Please let cell phones
be allowed in schools!
There are 12 zodiac signs, and each sign has its own strengths and
weaknesses, its own specific traits, desires and attitude towards life and
people. By analyzing the projection of the position of planets, and the Sun
and the Moon on the Ecliptic at the moment of birth. Astrology can give us a
glimpse of a person's basic characteristics, preferences, flaws and fears.
We made it simple for you to find out what your zodiac sign is, Its complete
profile and it's compatibility with other zodiac signs. By selecting your sign
from the detailed zodiac sign dates list you will discover everything on the

character of your Sun sign, it's Horoscope, traits, profile, history, myth and
love compatibility.
Each of the 12 horoscope signs belongs to one of the four elements Air,
Fire, Water and Earth. These elements represent an essential type of energy
that acts in each of us. Astrology aims to help us focus these energies on
the positive aspects and to gain a better understanding of our potential and
our positive traits and deal with negative ones.
These four elements help describe the unique personality types associated
with astrological signs. The four zodiac elements exhibit profound influence
on basic character traits, emotions, behavior and thinking.

WATER SIGNS
Water signs are exceptionally emotional and ultra-sensitive. They are highly
intuitive and they can be as mysterious as the ocean itself. Water signs love
profound conversations and intimacy. They rarely do anything openly and are
always there to support their loved ones. The Water Signs
are: Cancer,Scorpio and Pisces.

FIRE SIGNS
Fire signs tend to be passionate, dynamic, and temperamental. They get
angry quickly, but they also forgive easily. They are adventurers with
immense energy. They are physically very strong and are a source of
inspiration for others. Fire signs are intelligent, self-aware, creative and
idealistic people, always ready for action. The Fire Signs
are: Aries, Leo and Sagittarius.

EARTH SIGNS
Earth signs are grounded and the ones that bring us down to earth. They
are mostly conservative and realistic, but they can also be very emotional.
They are connected to our material reality and can be turned to material
goods. They are practical, loyal and stable and they stick by their people
through hard times. The Earth Signs are: Taurus, Virgo and Capricorn.

AIR SIGNS
Air signs are rational, social, and love communication and relationships with
other people. They are thinkers, friendly, intellectual, communicative and
analytical. They love philosophical discussions, social gatherings and good
books. They enjoy giving advice, but they can also be very superficial. The
Air Signs are: Gemini, Libra and Aquarius.

HOROSCOPE DATES AND INFORMATION

Aries - March 21 to April 19
Taurus - April 20 - May 20
Gemini - May 21 - June 21
Cancer - June 21 - July 22
Leo - July 23 -August 22
Virgo - August 23 - September 22
Libra - September 23 - October 22
Scorpio - October 23 - November 21
Sagittarius - November 22 - December 21
Capricorn - December 22 - January 19
Aquarius - January 20 - February 18
Pisces - February 19- March 20

SOME TRUE FACTS ABOUT ASTROLOGY

According to a 1999 study, the word horoscope and astrology are the two most searched topics
on the Internet.
Astrology is considered to be both an art and a science. Astrology is art because interpretation is
needed to bring the different aspects together and formulate an idea of the individual's character
traits. However, the mathematical part of astrology is also considered to be a science because it
requires an understanding of astronomy and mathematics.
Sixtus IV was the first Catholic pope to draw and interpret a horoscope, Leo X and Paul III always
relied on astrologers for advice while Julius II has chosen his coronation date astrologically.
Astrology was very important to Adolf Hitler, the dictator of Nazi Germany. It is thought that the
German leader consulted astrologers throughout the Second World War.

There are no incompatible zodiac signs in astrology, which means that any two signs are more or less
compatible. Two people whose zodiac signs are highly compatible will get along very easily because they
are on the same wavelength. But, people whose zodiac signs are less compatible, will need to be more
patient and tactful in order to achieve a happy and harmonious relationship.
As we all know, zodiac signs belong to four elements:
Fire: Aries, Leo, Sagittarius
Earth: Taurus, Virgo, Capricorn
Air: Gemini, Libra, Aquarius
Water: Cancer, Scorpio, Pisces
Signs that have the same element are naturally compatible because they understand each other best,
and in addition, Air is highly compatible with Fire, and Water is highly compatible with Earth. The strongest
attraction is expected in opposing signs and their potential is always great. Synastry is a branch of
astrology where two natal charts are compared in order to determine the quality of the love connections
between zodiac signs. Synastry or a relationship horoscope can be a useful tool for partners who want to
know the strengths and weaknesses in their relationship. Comparing signs can also help in gaining a
better understanding of the partner, which will result in a better relationship.
The following is a chart showing the astrology love compatibility of zodiac signs. Take a look at the chart
and see which zodiac signs are best together!
To read the zodiac signs compatibility chart, simply find your zodiac sign in the left column and see the
size of the heart located in the column that corresponds to your partner's zodiac sign. The bigger the
heart, the higher your compatibility!