Arroyo arraignment for electoral sabotage rap reset to Feb. 23

MANILA, Philippines — Former President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo’s arraignment for electoral sabotage was reset to February 23 from March 19 upon her request.

Former President and now Pampanga Representative Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo

Lawyer and court legal researcher of the Pasay Court Felda Domingo said Wednesday that Mrs. Arroyo sought an earlier arraignment schedule for security reasons.

In the March 19 schedule, Arroyo, together with her co-accused Andal Ampatuan Sr. and Lintang Bedol will be arraigned.

“They said it [March 19 arraignment] will be a security nightmare because supporters of each party as well as those against them will be there that’s why the court considered her request,” Domingo said.

Arroyo, Ampatuan Sr. and Bedol are facing charges of electoral sabotage for allegedly rigging the 2007 elections.

Ampatuan Sr. and Bedol will be arraigned on March 19.