Sandigan defers ruling on where to detain Arroyo

Former president and now Pampanga Rep. Gloria Macapagal Arroyo. AP FILE PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines–The Sandiganbayan on Thursday deferred issuing a ruling on where to detain Pampanga Representative Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo.

During Thursday’s hearing, the Sandiganbayan First Division, set an October 18 hearing for both parties to support their claims on whether to place the ailing former president under hospital arrest or not.

Government prosecutors insist that Arroyo’s condition has improved and she could now be placed in regular police detention facility.

Arroyo’s lawyer, Anacleto Diaz, however said Arroyo should stay at the Veteran Memorial Medical Center because she is needs to undergo therapy three times a week.

Arroyo was rearrested over her alleged misuse of the intelligence funds of the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes.