Noypi.ph: Comelec Discusses Possible Transfer of GMA to Detention Cell

Comelec Discusses Possible Transfer of GMA to Detention Cell
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Chiara Marie Trinidad on 01/27/2012 12:34:00

Comelec pushes for the end of Arroyo’s hospital arrest should evidence point
that the former president is now healthy enough to be transferred to a regular
detention cell

he former President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo might just get a taste of the
usually detention cell soon. After thumbing down Arroyo’s request to revoke
her warrant of arrest, the Pasay City Regional Trial court reminded the Arroyo
camp that the hospital arrest is temporary.
According to the head of the Commission on Elections (Comelec) Sixto
Brilliantes, a hospital arrest was not their original intent. Instead, from the
start, the government sector wanted the former Chief Executive to be confined in
a normal detention cell. The Veterans Memorial Medical Center (VMMC) hospital
arrest was only agreed upon in deference to her health.
“Noong una pa, gusto namin sa regular detention na, e. Pumayag lang kami na
ilagay lang sa hospital dahil may sakit. Kung wala nang sakit, e ‘di pumunta
na siya sa regular cell,” he explained.
Arroyo is currently being charged with electoral fraud and according to reports;
arraignment has already been slotted for February 20. Originally confined at St.
Lukes Medical Center in Taguig, the former President was supposed to leave the
country in pursuit of treatment for her spinal problems. After being refused
travel, Arroyo was confined in St. Lukes before being transferred to VMMC.
Tuesday this week, the Comelec once again pursued the issue regarding Arroyo’s
detention. An appeal to the Pasay City Regional Trial Court was sent, asking
that Arroyo’s attending physician give an update regarding the
ex-President’s health and the possibility of being discharged from the
hospital.
CHANGE OF HEART
The latest news however shows that the Comelec had a change of heart regarding
Arroyo’s detention. Brilliantes revealed that if the former president is
really suffering health-wise, then they will not insist on the transfer.
"Kami we're not going to push through kung sabihin nila talagang may sakit pa.
Pero kung sabihin ng lahat na doktor na magaling na, stable ang condition,
walang reason para maiwan siya sa government hospital at the expense of the
government," he explained during a dwIZ radio interview.
The Arroyo camp also has a pending request to allow the former president house
arrest.
Photo courtesy of philippinenewsdaily.com