GMA seeks dismissal of case in connection with NBN-ZTE project

Former President and now Pampanga Rep. Gloria Macapagal Arroyo has asked the Sandiganbayan Fourth Division to dismiss the cases against her involving the discontinued $329- million National Broadband Network (NBN) project with the Zhing Xing Telecommunications Equipment, Inc. (ZTE) of China, saying the prosecution failed to show proof of guilt during trial. The former president, through her lawyers Laurence Arroyo and Jesi Howard Lanete, filed a motion for leave to file demurrer to evidence on the charge of violating Section 3(g) and 3(i) of Republic Act 3019, the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act, and Section 7(d) of RA 6713, the Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards for Public Officials and Employees. Her counsel submitted the motion after the prosecution formally offered its documentary exhibits before the court last February 1 and rested its case. Cong. Gloria Macapagal Arroyo Doing away with the defense turn to present evidence, the lawyers instead [...]