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.

President Arroyo Back to Hospital after Failed Attempt to Leave the Country

President Arroyo held at the airport despite TRO

The Bureau of Immigration prevented former President Gloria Arroyo from leaving the country Tuesday night at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 1. They were expected to board the Dragon Air flight at 8:50 pm but was later told by the BI officials that they can't leave the country despite the issuance of the TRO by the Supreme Court. The former President was forced to go back to St Luke's Medical Center.

Earlier that day, the Supreme Court decided to allow the former President to exercise her freedom to travel and seek medical treatment abroad. Some of the conditions set by the highest court include posting of P2 million bond, appointing a lawyer that will receive subpoenas and will represent them in court proceedings, a call or visit in the Philippine embassy where they are expected to seek medical treatment.

Justices Voted for and Against the TRO

The justices that voted for the issuance of the TRO were Chief Justice Renato Corona, Justices Presbitero Velasco Jr., Arturo Brion, Diosdado Peralta, Lucas Bersamin, Roberto Abad, Martin Villarama, and Jose Perez

Five justices who opposed the decision were Senior Justice Antonio Carpio, Assoc. Justices Maria Lourdes Sereno, Bienvenido Reyes, Estela Perlas-Bernabe, & Jose Mendoza. Two justices were on leave.

The 8-5 decision made the Arroyos decide to immediately comply with the conditions and booked several flights to Singapore. However, the DOJ Secretary Leila de Lima maintained their stand that the Arroyos could not leave the country because  they have not receive a copy of the TRO and they will still contest the ruling of the highest court.

Debate on the Legality of Watchlist Order and Dishonor of the SC Decision

Meanwhile, the spokesman of the Supreme Court, Justice Midas Marquez argued that the TRO is already in effect and executory. This now leads to various sentiments and opinions whether the government is now acting beyond its power.

The camp of the former president will file a case in court citing in contempt the Secretary of Justice for not honoring the TRO. Other constitutionalists says that this could lead to constitutional crisis. Pro and anti Gloria have different opinions on this issue. Others said that the government should follow the order of the supreme court while others hails the DOJ for taking a hard stand on the case.

The case of plunder, electoral sabotage and cases have yet to be filed in court against the Arroyos. They are still in the preliminary investigation. If the former President leaves the country it will be difficult for the administration to put her in jail.

World Bank Report on Rigged Biddings; the President's Husband Participation

Here's in an excerpt of the World Bank report on the result of their investigation on the philippine projects with anomalies. As already reported in newspapers and TV's, the name of the First Gentleman is again included in the report including the name of the late former Sen. Barbers.

This report was provided by Senator Lacson to the media and for some who missed the details you can download or view this report. This is said to be an original copy of the World Bank report.

Mike Arroyo denies all the allegations contained in this report. He even told reporters that his enemies would try to kill him by including his name in every controversy that is being faced by President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo's administration.


http://media.inquirer.net/inquirer/media/WB-report-on-rigged-bidding.pdf