Comelec insists on regular jail for Arroyo

Commission on Elections Chairman Sixto Brillantes. INQUIRER FILE PHOTO

The Commission on Elections (Comelec) will oppose any motion opposing its request to have former President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo detained in a regular jail, according to Comelec chairman Sixto Brillantes Jr.

“We had wanted regular detention [for her] from the start. We just allowed her to be in the hospital because she’s sick. If she’s no longer sick, she should go to a regular jail cell,” Brillantes said.

The Comelec filed a motion asking the Pasay court which is handling the electoral sabotage case against Arroyo to move her to an ordinary jail if a medical examination would show that she was already fit enough.

Once the Comelec receives information from Arroyo’s attending doctors that she may already be discharged, the poll body will not permit any other “accommodations” for Arroyo, he said.

“No matter what they say to counter our petition, it’s ok with us since it’s the judge who would be the one to decide in the end. But we will definitely oppose motions [opposing our transfer plea],” Brillantes said.

“This will depend on the assessment and determination of the court and the judge, it’s up to them. We just file a motion, it’s up to the court,” he said.

Arroyo’s spokesperson, Ma. Elena Bautista-Horn, said they will “avail of all available legal course” to oppose the Comelec motion although she said the Arroyo camp was ready to abide by the judge’s ruling.

Brillantes said the poll body was “sensitive to public opinion,” particularly those from people who claim Arroyo should not be detained anymore at the Veterans Memorial Medical Center in Quezon City.

Brillantes said concern for Arroyo’s health was the reason why the Comelec allowed such “special facilities” for her.