FILE PHOTO: Former President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo (Photoville International)
MANILA, Philippines — Prosecutors blocked the latest appeal of former President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo for a house arrest at her home in La Vista Subdivision in Quezon City or at her residence in Lubao, Pampanga.
According to the prosecution, the request of former president now Pampanga representative has no merit and can be considered as an insult to the country’s judicial system.
The prosecution claims that the law does not allow an accused to be under house arrest particularly when the court has already denied one’s petitions and demurrer to evidence.
They added that if it is true that Arroyo’s condition is worsening, it would be more beneficial for her to be in a medical facility than at home.
Prosecution said, Arroyo’s situation cannot be compared with that of Manila Mayor Joseph Estrada’s Tanay, Rizal house arrest because the latter did not require close medical supervision. And even though Estrada stayed in a private property, it was conveniently next to PNP Camp Capinpin, thus guarding him was not a problem.
At present, Rep. Arroyo remains under hospital arrest at Veterans Memorial Medical Center for her alleged involvement in the anomalous use of Philippine Charity Sweepstakes’ intelligence fund during her presidency. (JOYCE BALANCIO / UNTV News)