Gov’t to allow Arroyo to stay at home or hospital—Robredo

MANILA, Philippines—Interior Secretary Jesse Robredo said Friday the Aquino administration will not object to former President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo being detained at her home or in a hospital in light of the warrant for her arrest issued by the Pasay Regional Trial Court.

Robredo said he contacted the former President’s son, Camarines Sur Representative Diosdado “Dato” Arroyo and Arroyo’s ally, Mayor Jerry Pelayo of Candaba, Pampanga, immediately after the court issued the warrant.

“We’ve notified the family because we will accord due respect to the former President at may sakit siya (since she is sick),” he told the Inquirer over the phone.

He said he was still waiting for the reply of the younger Arroyo and Pelayo.

“Should she decide (to stay) in the hospital or at home, that will be considered. Of course we will get permission from the court but we will not object. If that is requested we will not oppose,” Robredo said.

But the administration will not allow Arroyo to leave the country.

“If she goes to the airport, she will be arrested,” Robredo stressed.

He said they can send arresting officers to the St. Luke’s Hospital where Arroyo has checked in or at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport, “but that’s unnecessary.”

“The administration will accord the proper treatment to a former President, because she’s not well, really,” Robredo said.

“I’m taking the cue from (Justice) Secretary De Lima. The executive secretary (Pacquito Ochoa) has been informed,” he added.