Arroyo asks Sandiganbayan for appearance waiver in NBN-ZTE graft trial

Former President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo CONTRIBUTED PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines – Former president and now Pampanga Representative Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo has asked the Sandiganbayan to allow her not to attend court hearings, a Radyo Inquirer 990AM report said Tuesday.

The report said Arroyo’s lawyer, Jose Flaminiano, submitted a waiver of appearance of the congresswoman to the Sandiganbayan’s court division handling the NBN-ZTE deal.

The waiver noted that Arroyo would present herself if she would be obliged by the court, but she is hoping that the court will allow her not to attend the remaining hearings.

Arroyo has been charged with two counts of graft and one count of violation of the code of conduct and ethical standards for public officials and employees in relation to the approval of the NBN contract with the China-based ZTE Corp.