Arroyo might spend New Year in hospital

MANILA, Philippines—Former president Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo may have to spend the New Year in hospital arrest rather than in her posh residence in Quezon City as the judge hearing her electoral sabotage case goes on leave and will be back after the holiday break.

Pasay Regional Trial Court Judge Jesus Mupas had denied Arroyo’s motion for a Christmas furlough. But the lawyers of the former leader on Monday filed a motion asking the court to reconsider its ruling and allow Arroyo to stay in her La Vista home for the New Year family gathering from December 31 to January 2.

“The court may not be able to take action on their motion (because) Judge Mupas is on leave from December 23 and he will be back on January 6,” legal researcher Felda Domingo said.

“That is why our next scheduled hearing will be on January 9,” she said.

Arroyo has been on hospital arrest awaiting trial for electoral sabotage charges. Aside from a motion for a New Year furlough, Arroyo asked that she be allowed to post bail.

The Pasay Court has scheduled the hearing on her motion to post bail on January 9. On the same date, the court will also hear the motions for inhibition, bail and house arrest filed by former Commission on Elections chairman Benjamin Abalos, who is also facing similar charges for allegedly rigging the 2007 senatorial elections.