Sick? No bail for Arroyo, says court

Feb 20, 2014 10:28 AM PHT

Rappler.com

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The Sandiganbayan affirms its earlier ruling that the ex-president should not be granted bail on the basis of strong evidence against her

NO BAIL. File photo of Former Presiden Gloria Macapagal Arroyo. AFP file

MANILA, Philippines – The Sandiganbayan denied the latest motion for bail by former President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo in connection with a plunder case filed against her.

In a decision Thursday, February 20, the anti-graft court dismissed a motion for reconsideration by Arroyo’s lawyers that she be allowed to post bail since she’s sick and has no plans of being a fugitive. The lawyers also told the court that the evidence against her is weak.

The court affirmed its earlier position that the evidence against her is strong.

Arroyo is facing plunder charges over the alleged misuse of P366 million worth of Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office funds. Plunder is a non-bailable offense.

Her lawyers Jose Flaminiano, Laurence Hector Arroyo, and Aufelene Anne Laxamana, said Arroyo, now 66 years old, is frail and requires regular therapy even after undergoing 3 operations on her cervical spine. – Rappler.com