The Supreme Court (SC) decision dismissing the plunder case against former President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo and ordering of her immediate release from “hospital detention” sharply divided the Boholano public more along the issue of economic inequality.

Respondents aired their opinions over DYRD Inyong Alagad on Wednesday, July 20, 2016 when asked about their views on the SC decision.

Majority of the callers thought that the poor was not given a fair shake in their quest for justice as shown by the number of poor litigants languishing in prison unlike the accused rich that was perceived to enjoy preferential treatment from the courts.

Despite being detained at the Veterans Memorial Hospital for close to four years, respondents perceived this arrangement enjoyed by Arroyo as favoring the rich while the poor are incarcerated in jails awaiting resolution of their cases.

But some callers agreed with the SC ruling saying that justice was fairly served after the court, voting 11-4, junked the plunder case for “insufficiency of evidence”.

Callers discussed at length the grant by the Sandiganbayan of Christmas and New Year furloughs to Arroyo which are not equally enjoyed by other accused.

Others also cautioned the public that respect should be accorded to the SC decision whether they agree or disagree to avoid anarchy and undermining the authority of the justice system.

Arroyo was accused of plunder for her alleged involvement in the misuse of the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO) P366-million intelligence fund. (Chito M. Visarra)