No Christmas furlough for Former President Arroyo (Philippines)

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A local court denied on Wednesday former president Gloria Arroyo's request for house arrest during the holiday season.

Image Credit: Inquirer.net

Instead, Judge Jesus Mupas of the Pasay Regional Trial Court (RTC) branch 112 allowed Mrs. Arroyo's "immediate family" to visit her at the Veterans Memorial Medical Center (VMMC) from December 24 to 12nn on December 26, and on December 31 to 12nn on January 2.

Mrs. Arroyo has been under hospital arrest since being arrested on charges of electoral sabotage in connection with alleged cheating in the 2007 elections.

"For security reasons, hindi pumayag ang korte sa motion nila for a Christmas furlough. Naalala niyo naman nung linipat siya from St. Luke's to VMMC nagkagulo, so ayaw na nating maulit yon," said court legal researcher Felda Domingo.

In the same decision, the court allowed Mrs. Arroyo one hour of sunlight everyday in the morning to get some fresh air and to visit the local chapel.

Her request for a television and radio in her hospital room was also granted by the court.

However, Judge Mupas denied Arroyo's motion for the use of a cellphone and laptop. Domingo said this is a "closed issue", and only the former president's counsel will be allowed to bring electronic communication gadgets inside Mrs. Arroyo's suite at the VMMC.

A Malacañang spokesperson, meanwhile, said the court's decision is fair.

"We have always maintained that there should be no special treatment accorded to CGMA and that arrangements should be made with due respect to her condition," Deputy presidential spokesperson Abigail Valte said.

source: ABS-CBN News

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