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Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo (GMA) vs. People of the Philippines [DISSENTING OPINION,SERENO, C.J.]

G.R. No. 220598 GLORIA MACAPAGAL-ARROYO, Petitioner versus PEOPLE OF THE PHILIPPINES AND THE SANDIGANBAYAN (First Division), Respondents G.R. No. 220953 BENIGNO B. AGUAS, Petitioner, versus, SANDIGANBAYAN (First Division), Respondent.

G.R. No. 220598 and G.R. No. 220953 | 2016-07-19

DISSENTING OPINION

SERENO, C.J.:

Given the records and pleadings in these cases, I register my dissent from the ponencia. Contrary to theponencia's conclusion, I find that the prosecution has sufficiently alleged and established conspiracy in the commission of the crime of plunder involving, among others, petitioners Gloria Macapagal Arroyo (Arroyo) and Benigno B. Aguas (Aguas). I therefore find no grave abuse of discretion in the Sandiganbayan rulings, which denied petitioners' demurrers and motions for reconsideration.

In sum, my strong objection to the Majority Opinion is impelled by at least five (5) doctrinal and policy...