FILE PHOTO: Pampanga Representative Gloria Arroyo.
Former president and now Pampanga representative Gloria Arroyo is asking the Sandiganbayan 4th Division to dismiss the graft case filed against her in relation to the NBN-ZTE deal.
Arroyo insists the prosecution camp failed to prove that she had interest or that she benefited on the NBN-ZTE deal.
The prosecution was also short in evidence in proving that the broadband project was disadvantageous to the government.
For its part, the prosecution said the project was grossly overpriced from
130 million US dollars to 329 million US dollars.
Arroyo also allegedly favored the ZTE company despite better offers from its competitors.
ZTE offered broadband service to cover 30% of the country compared to
Amsterdam Holding Inc. that can cover 80% for a lesser cost.
The prosecution said, Arroyo also had monetary interest in the project as she agreed to meet the ZTE officials and had lunch with them in China.
After listening to both sides, the court is now set to decide whether to acquit or convict Arroyo of charges.
Aside from graft, she is also facing plunder raps for the anomalous spending of PCSO funds during her term as President.
Her camp elevated the case to the Supreme Court which will resolve the matter anytime soon.
(JOYCE BALANCIO/UNTV NEWS)
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