President Gloria Arroyo Arrested for Electoral Sabotage

Former President Gloria Arroyo is now under hospital arrest after a regional trial court issued an arrest warrant. Representatives from law enforcement agencies went to St Luke's Medical Center to serve the arrest warrant where the former President is confined due to her medical condition.



The Commission on Election rushed to the court today in filing the electoral sabotage charge against Rep. Arroyo. The former president is accused of rigging the 2004 Presidential Election. Election officials and other witnesses accused the former president of masterminding the 12-0 win in Maguindanao.

Meanwhile, The Supreme Court maintained its stand to enforce the TRO which is supposed to allow the Arroyo couple to leave the country. The highest court still voted 8-5 in rejecting the petition of the DOJ. In addition, the SC instructed Justice Secretary de Lima to explain within 10 days why she must not face in contempt. The Supreme court believes that de Lima refused to follow the order of the SC. She might face a fine and a possible imprisonment of 6 months.

Currently, the former President is guarded by police officers and is barred from leaving the hospital. Taking of finger prints and mug shot photos is scheduled on Saturday at the hospital.

The camp of the former President has yet to give statement on her arrest. It is not also clear if the former President will stay in the St Luke's Medical Center or will be brought to a Quezon City detention cell if her condition improves.