GMA arrest order holds as SC issues no TRO

MANILA, Philippines (Nov 22, 2011) – The arrest of former president Gloria Macapagal Arroyo remains valid as former first gentleman Jose Miguel Arroyo failed to secure a temporary restraining order (TRO) at the Supreme Court today on the prosecution of his wife, former President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, on poll sabotage charges.

Instead, the Higher Court gave the former chief executive and other respondents, including former poll chair Benjamin Abalos, 10 days to comment on the findings of the Commission and Election (Comelec) – Department of Justice (DOJ) joint panel.

This as the former presidential husband sought the intervention of the SC on poll sabotage charges against his wife on the riggings of the 2007 election results in Maguindanao province.

The SC has scheduled the oral arguments on the petition of Arroyo next week, Nov. 29.

Last Friday, Arroyo asked the high court to nullify the criminal case filed by the Comelec against the ailing former leader of the country.

An issuance of a TRO would immediately suspend the effectivity of the arrest of the former President.

The former FG questioned the “undue haste” in filing the case against his wife that immediately resulted to the issuance of warrant of arrest against her.

The joint panel has cleared the former FG on poll sabotage charges due to lack of evidence.

Abalos also filed a similar petition that was consolidated to that of Arroyo’s. (From Phistar.com)