Sandigan Bayan Allows Arroyo in Hospital Arrest

For humanitarian considerations, the Sandiganbayan First Division granted the hospital arrest of former President and now Pampanga Rep. Gloria Macapagal Arroyo who was charged with plunder in connection with the alleged misuse of P366-million Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO) funds.

In its eight-page resolution, the anti-graft court said it granted the hospital arrest in view of the physical condition of Mrs. Arroyo and her need to undergo continuing intensive physical therapy three times a week at the Veterans Memorial Medical Center (VMMC) and on account of the withdrawal of the prosecution of its opposition to the urgent motion.

Earlier, Prosecutor Disodado V Calonge manifested that the prosecution was already withdrawing its opposition to the urgent motion of the accused for hospital arrest.

The resolution was signed by Justice Efren dela Cruz, First Division chairperson, and Justices Rodoldo A. Ponferrada and Rafael R Lagos.

Meanwhile, Mrs. Arroyo thanked her supporters, well-wishers and even the Sandiganbayan in a message posted on the social network “Tweeter” before the anti-graft court ordered her barred from using computers and other telecommunications devices while under hospital arrest.

Through her staff, Mrs. Arroyo “tweeted” “thank you’s” to those who greeted her and offered prayers for her swift recuperation. Her staff also extended thanks for the Sandiganbayan’s order granting her motion for hospital arrest.

The anti-graft court allowed Mrs. Arroyo to be detained at the same hospital suite at the VMMC where she was previously held following her arrest on an election offense last year.

Read the rest of the story at Manila Bulletin website