Palace: Gloria Arroyo’s house arrest up to Sandiganbayan, not House

After the House of Representatives’ justice committee approved on Tuesday a resolution favoring house arrest for former President and Pampanga Rep. Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, Malacañang reminded lawmakers that the matter is up to the courts.

 

Sought for comment on the committee-approved resolution, Communications Secretary Herminio Coloma Jr. said only the Sandiganbayan can decide where to detain Arroyo while she is facing her plunder case before the anti-graft court.

 

“This is a matter that falls under the Sandiganbayan’s jurisdiction as President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo is undergoing trial,” Coloma said in a text message.

 

Similarly, deputy presidential spokesperson Usec. Abigail Valte said in a separate text message, “The proposed house arrest is a matter for the courts to decide.”

 

Earlier in the day, House justice committee members, including President Benigno Aquino III’s allies, approved through an 8-1 vote a resolution urging the Sandiganbayan to grant house arrest to Arroyo. 

 

The panel was convinced by police testimony that Arroyo, who has been on hospital arrest in Quezon City since 2012, is not a flight risk.

 

Citing information from Presidential Legislative Liaison Office chief Manuel Mamba, Coloma further said that the resolution supporting Arroyo’s house arrest should still be approved by the entire House, which is dominated by Aquino's allies.

 

“The resolution emanating from members of the House justice committee will have to be presented to the House plenary,” Coloma said. —KG, GMA News