DOJ to defer to Comelec stand on Arroyo bid for house arrest

MANILA, Philippines–The Department of Justice (DOJ) would defer to the position of the Commission on Elections (Comelec) regarding former President and now Pampanga Rep. Gloria Macapagal Arroyo’s petition for a house arrest.

In an interview with reporters on Monday, Justice Secretary Leila de Lima said Arroyo’s camp must show strong basis that would warrant such an arrangement for her detention.

“We’re deferring to the position of the Comelec because the Comelec is the primary public prosecutor (in the electoral sabotage case against Arroyo),” De Lima said.

“I think we just have to support the Comelec’s position because the DOJ joined them in the investigation,” she added.

The justice secretary said the government must also consider the “perception of the public” should Pasay City Judge Jesus Mupas grants Arroyo’s request for a house arrest.