Arroyo allowed to attend grandson’s wake

Former President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo. INQUIRER FILE PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines–The Sandiganbayan First Division has allowed former President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo to attend the wake of her grandson tonight.

In its order, the anti-graft court allowed Arroyo, now a Pampanga lawmaker, to visit the wake from 8 to 10 in the evening and then, return to Veteran’s Memorial Medical Center (VMMC) where she is under hospital arrest.

Arroyo, early Monday filed a motion before the Sandiganbayan to allow her to attend the wake of her one-year-old grandson Jorge Alonzo “Jugo” Arroyo Bernas from daughter Luli Arroyo-Bernas.

“The order of the court is only for tonight. For tomorrow (Tuesday) onwards, the court has yet to issue a ruling,” Atty. Lawrence Arroyo said in a text message.

Arroyo, in her motion filed Monday, asked that she be allowed to attend the wake and burial of her grandson and for a temporary nine-day house arrest.

“President Arroyo now comes before the Honorable Court as a supplicant. She, like the rest of the family, has been broken by Jugo’s death…A grandson is not supposed to die ahead of grandparent. Jugo was not supposed to die ahead of his grandmother. But for reasons beyond understanding, he did,” the motion stated.

Arroyo was waiting for her grandson’s visit last Sunday morning. Instead, she received the news that he passed away at the Philippine Heart Center.

The anti-graft court will conduct a hearing on Tuesday on Mrs. Arroyo’s request for a furlough.

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