Zaldy Ampatuan is now singing a different tune as he released statements that would pin down former President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo in a plunder case. The prime suspect for the Maguindanao Massacre released the statement amidst his ongoing trial for the murder of 57 people, the bloodiest in the history of journalist killing.
Cries of possible foul arose from the victims as they stated that this may be a ploy for Ampatuan to escape his possible incarceration on the case. He is set to testify and condemn also his father and brothers whom he claimed to have been instrumental in the irregularities committed by President Arroyo. Yet, his lawyer, Howard Calleja made an assurance that Zaldy’s expose is not part o the deal with the Aquino administration to strike down former President Arroyo. His expose did not guarantee him being exonerated from the case.
“The Governor’s willingness to help the government carries no condition of any kind and was borne out of a genuine desire to offer the truth and bring closure to the issues at hand,” Calleja said in a statement.
He added that Zaldy does not have any ulterior motive or requested condition other than to “offer the truth to the government to help them and bring closure to the issues at hand.”
He clarified that Zaldy is set to do something for the government and that is by helping them out in their quest for justice against the corruption conducted by the previous administration. He is willing to volunteer in any means that he could afford without expecting any favour in return. His only request is the safety of his family.
Calleja also expressed his client’s belief that he would be able to prove his innocence from the slews of charger filed against him. Aside from the 57 counts of murder, Zaldy and several of his relatives are also facing plunder charges and a complaint before the Anti-Money Laundering Council.
