CITY OF SAN FERNANDO -- The three-day furlough filed by former President and now Pampanga Second District Representative Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo before the Sandiganbayan was opposed anew by government prosecutors.
However, Arroyo's three-day birthday leave for her coming 67th birthday celebration on April 5 was questioned by lawyer Honorio Ebora.
According to Assistant Prosecutor Eborado, Arroyo "is facing a plunder case which is a non-bailable offense and allowing the former President to leave the hospital while on arrest could be a bad precedent."
The counsel of Arroyo, Modesto Ticman, appealed to the court to allow Arroyo to celebrate her birthday with her constituents in Lubao, Pampanga from April 4 to 6.
The camp of the former President also submitted the report of Dr. Martha Nucum, medical head of Veterans Memorial Medical Center, stating that allowing the former President to celebrate her birthday with her family members and relatives is good for her wellness.
Arroyo's legal counsel also said that the defense panel expects a decision on its petition within five days. The Sandiganbayan has already submitted for resolution the birthday furlough petition.
The former President is facing a plunder charge over the P366 million Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office fund and a case before the Pasay City Regional Trial Court for alleged electoral sabotage.