GMA to seek anew court’s nod to attend 9th day of mourning

MANILA, Philippines – After being allowed by the anti-graft court Sandiganbayan to attend the necrological service for her brother Arturo on Saturday, August 15, Pampanga Representative Gloria Macapagal Arroyo will again seek permission to attend the 9^th day of mourning for him.

A GMA News report said the former president will put in a new request after the Sandiganbayan turned down her previous one requesting that she be allowed to attend the 9^th and last day of mourning on August 19.

On the last day of mourning, the bereaved and their guests traditionally come together for Mass, prayers, and a meal.

On Saturday, Arroyo had to skip the “inurnment” of her brother at the Heritage Park because she was given by the anti-graft court only from 10 am till 2 pm to attend the services. GMA News reported that Arroyo who was suffering from back pain had to be brought back to the Veterans Memorial Medical Center in Quezon City where she is being detained.

Arroyo herself has been suffering from “multilevel cervical spondylosis” or the wearing of the bones. The condition causes the compression of nerves responsible for respiratory and arm movements. The complication was caused by a dislodged titanium implant, which threatens to block her trachea. (READ: Spinal surgery and titanium plates) 

Her half-brother Arturo “Art” Macapagal died on Tuesday, August 11, from prostate cancer.

He is the second child and eldest son of former president Diosdado Macapagal with first wife Purita de la Rosa. 

Arroyo remains under hospital arrest after being charged with plunder in relation to the alleged misuse of P366 million in Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office funds. – Rappler.com