Court Gives Thumbs Down on Arroyo Bid to Void Arrest Warrant

Former president Gloria Macapagal Arroyo still remains detained at the Veteran’s Memorial Medical Center pending the court’s decision on the COMELEC’s request to move her to a regular detention facility.

It looks like the former president Gloria Macapagal Arroyo will remain in detention to face charges of electoral sabotage.

There’s enough basis for the warrant of arrest issued against Arroyo, the court said on Wednesday.  Judge Jesus Mupas of Pasay regional trial court’s (RTC) branch 112 gave the Arroyo camp’s motion to recall the warrant of arrest that was earlier issued against the former president.  Arroyo remains under hospital arrest at the Veteran’s Memorial Medical Center (VMMC) owing to her supposedly delicate condition as brought about by her cervical spine surgeries last year done at the St. Luke’s Medical Center in Taguig City.  The court also rejected the Arroyo’s requests to spend the Christmas holidays at their La Vista residence.  Still pending the court’s decision are several motions from the Arroyo camp including a motion for bail and a motion for house arrest.      

Meanwhile, the Commission on Elections (COMELEC), the petitioner in the electoral sabotage case against Arroyo, has filed a motion with the same court to move Arroyo to a regular detention facility.  According to COMELEC chairman Sixto Brillantes Jr., doctors at the VMMC have indicated that the former president’s condition has considerably improved to allow her more freedom of movement and a more normal routine.  In an interview with a local news network, Arroyo’s stable condition was confirmed by VMMC medical director Dr. Nona Legaspi who further said that “a transfer will not likely worsen her condition.”

“The accused should be placed in a regular detention cell unless she is sick.  If there is such a report already that she is okay, it is our obligation that we file the necessary motion and leave it up to the court to determine if she is transferred or not,” Brillantes explained.  He further said that the COMELEC should not be perceived by the public as giving the former president special treatment.  In another election related case, former COMELEC chairman Benjamin Abalos’ motion asking Mupas to inhibit himself from his poll fraud case was likewise given the thumbs down.  Mupas also cited Abalos as well as his lawyer Atty. Brigido Dulay for contempt of court after making public statements alleging Mupas of extortion.   

Arroyo is scheduled to be arraigned on February 20 while Abalos’ arraignment will be on February 13.

Photo:  newsflash.org