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

Kris Aquino Cancels Movie With Vice

KRIS Aquino confirmed that she had backed out of the movie “Sisteraka,” an official entry to this year’s Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF).


A joint production of Star Cinema and Viva Films, “Sisteraka” also stars Aquino’s friend Vice Ganda.

Aquino, who is hosting the morning show “KrisTV,” said via Twitter that she will no longer do the movie due to health reasons. She will be replaced by comedienne Ai Ai delas Alas in the movie.

“I didn’t want to talk about work this weekend. But YES it’s true I backed out of the MMFF movie with Vice Ganda. If you remember I lost my voice the other week and I realized I can’t possibly work seven days a week and not have all my projects suffer,” Aquino tweeted.

“In the past, my talk show was always the one that suffered because of my ‘acting’ dreams. More than anything else, I am a talk show host and I can’t be effective with no voice,” Aquino added.

Aquino added that she is also doing the series “Kailangan Ko’y Ikaw” with Anne Curtis and Robin Padilla.
“Our teleserye ‘Kailangan Ko’y Ikaw’ has a story so close to my heart, about a family, about sisters and what toll cancer takes not just for the victim but for all those she loves. I made difficult choices but I have peace in my heart. Growing up means accepting I’m not superwoman, and realizing just how blessed I am to have what’s here and now,” Aquino said.

Aside from her soap and morning show, Aquino is also set to return to the judges’ table for the new season of “Pilipinas Got Talent,” which starts in October

News Source:  TEMPO