Ex-President Arroyo asks SC for 5-day furlough

Former president, now Pampanga Representative, Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo. (Wikipedia photo)

MANILA – Former President and now Pampanga (2nd District) Rep. Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo on Monday asked the Supreme Court (SC) for a five-day furlough beginning April 3, 2016 to celebrate her 69th birthday with her family on April 5, 2016.

“Petitioner Arroyo appeals anew to the humanity of the Honorable Supreme Court and respectfully asks that she be granted a similar furlough for her birthday on April 5, 2016,” the petition said.

Arroyo, based on the petition, wished to celebrate her 69th birthday at home with family and friends.

The petition noted that spending time at home with her family would do the former leader good.

“It is the opinion of her doctors that her continued confinement is injurious to her health. A five-day furlough to celebrate her birthday and be with family and friends will do the former President some good,” the petition said.

Mrs. Arroyo is currently on “hospital arrest” at the Veterans Memorial Medical Center (VMMC) in Quezon City.

She is facing a case for plunder before the Sandiganbayan in connection with the alleged misuse of Php 366 million in confidential intelligence funds (CIF) of the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO).

Last year, the SC has allowed Mrs. Arroyo to have a Christmas and New Year furlough.

Earlier, the SC extended up to April 20, 2016 its order stopping the Sandiganbayan from proceeding with the plunder trial of Mrs. Arroyo.