Comelec okays Arroyo's extended stay at hospital

THE Commission on Elections (Comelec) said Sunday it will not object anymore to the continued stay of former President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo at the Veterans Memorial Medical Center (VMMC).

Comelec Chairman Sixto Brillantes said the commission will not contest anymore the disclosure of Dr. Antonio Sison, Arroyo's attending physician, that the former leader may not be ready to be transferred to a regular detention cell yet.

"Okay lang sa amin. Ang amin namang motion is to determine kung magaling na siya as determined by the court. Kung hindi pa, e di ok lang. Hindi naman namin ipipilit e," said Brillantes.

The Comelec earlier asked the Pasay City Regional Trial Court (RTC) to ask the doctors of Arroyo if she is already fit enough to be transferred to a regular detention cell while facing her electoral sabotage case.

Last Friday, Sison said that Arroyo is not yet being advised to be discharged from the VMMC since she still needs physical therapy.

Arroyo had been detained at the VMMC in Quezon City since December 9 after she was transferred from the St. Luke's Medical Center in Taguig City.

The Pampanga representative is facing a non-bailable charge of electoral sabotage over the alleged cheating operations in the 2007 senatorial polls in Maguindanao.

Brillantes said despite Arroyo's projected extended stay at the VMMC, this won't stop the Comelec from pursuing the case against her.

"Pwede naman siya dalin husgado from VMMC or pwede din sila mag-waiver ng appearance sa husgado. Pinapayagan naman na wala siya dun e," said Brillantes.

Arroyo's arraignment is set on February 20. (AMN/Sunnex)