Arroyo petition to visit to grandson’s wake opposed; court set to rule on motion

Former President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo. AP FILE PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines — State prosecutors on Tuesday opposed Representative Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo’s request for a nine-day house arrest so that she could visit the wake of her grandson and child of her daughter Luli Arroyo-Bernas.

During the Sandiganbayan first division’s hearing on Arroyo’s ex-parte motion for nine-day house arrest and leave, the prosecution cautioned that the stressful circumstances could endanger the former president’s health and instead‎ suggested a one-day pass to attend either the wake or the burial of Jorge Alonzo “Jugo” Arroyo Bernas, who died due to a congenital heart problem.

“We are moving that the court adopt a measure that she is safe. Being in a strenuous situation is life-threatening,” lawyer Gidget Duque told the court.

Duque added that granting her house arrest would be tantamount to special treatment.

“Arroyo should not be allowed to enjoy privileges,” said lawyer Julieta Niduaza.

The baby had been cremated, Arroyo’s lawyer Laurence Hector Arroyo (no relation) told the court although he was uncertain whether the cremation took place Sunday or Monday.

He added that the baby would be buried on Friday.

Arroyo’s lawyers said the former president should be granted house arrest so that she could grieve with her family for her grandson,  who they said was her “source of joy.

“It has been our custom to grieve among our families… The baby is the source of her joy,” Arroyo said.

Arroyo added that the incumbent Pampanga lawmaker, under hospital arrest for plunder over a charity funds mess, was willing to take the risk.

“More than her physical condition, she’s been devastated emotionally,” he said.

Lawyer Jose Flaminiano added that “the state or the court would (not) suffer if the court exercises sound discretion.”

Division chair Associate Justice Efren Dela Cruz deemed the motion submitted for resolution.

Former president Arroyo was granted a two-hour pass Monday night to visit the wake.

Arroyo is under hospital arrest at the Veterans Memorial Medical Center for plunder involving the alleged use of intelligence funds of the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office.

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