Sandigan allows Arroyo to visit parents’ graves on Nov. 1

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

MANILA, Philippines—The Sandiganbayan on Tuesday allowed former President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo to visit her parents’ graves on November 1, All Saints Day, at the Libingan ng mga Bayani.

In its ruling, the anti-graft court allowed Arroyo’s request after the Special Prosecutors did not oppose her request saying it is tradition.

The Sandiganbayan said the former President, now a congresswoman representing Pampanga, will leave Veterans Memorial Medical Center at 8 a.m. and will return to the hospital the same day.

“Accused Arroyo has not been convicted of any crime, and is, therefore, in the eyes of the law, presumed to be innocent even in respect of the present offense charged against her before this Honorable Court.  She, therefore, still enjoys the rights of all innocent men, which include the constitutionally-guaranteed liberty of travel and abode,” their motion submitted Tuesday morning stated.

Arroyo’s parents, former President Diosdado P. Macapagal and Dr. Evangelina M. Macapagal, are both buried at the Libingan ng mga Bayani in Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City.

November 1 will also be the 97th birthday of Arroyo’s mother.