Abalos in small, dirty detention room

MANILA, Philippines - In contrast to former President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo's condo-like presidential suite at the Veterans Memorial Medical Center (VMMC), former Commission on Elections (Comelec) chairman Benjamin Abalos Jr. is staying in a windowless, small room at the Southern Police District (SPD) headquarters in Taguig City.

The 77-year-old Abalos was brought to the SPD office after he surrendered yesterday following the Pasay City Regional Trial Court (RTC) Branch 112 issued a warrant for his arrest for two counts of electoral sabotage in connection with the alleged fraud in the 2007 elections.

Members of the Abalos family who visited the former Comelec chief at around 11 p.m. yesterday said that aside from being small and windowless, the room was almost empty and dirty.

Lawyer Salvador Panelo, who also visited Abalos last night, told media that the detention facility's comfort room was also very dirty.

The room, located on the second floor of the police headquarters, was formerly occupied by members of the district police's Special Operations Task Group.

Abalos's detention room was in complete contrast with the suite at the VMMC which was prepared by the government for Mrs. Arroyo, who is also facing an electoral sabotage case, also in connection with the alleged rigging in the 2007 elections.

Interior Secretary Jesse Robredo had even compared Mrs. Arroyo's suite to a very spacious condominium unit.

Abalos's wife and two daughters brought two electric fans and an oven toaster last night, but the appliances were not allowed by the police. They were allowed to leave a blanket and a pillow for the former poll chief.

Police, meanwhile, said that starting today, Abalos would be allowed to receive visitors in his detention from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.

The police said that camp of Abalos gave them a list of 52 visitors.

Abalos was ordered arrested yesterday morning by Judge Jesus Mupas, who is hearing the electoral sabotage case against Abalos.

Also facing the same charges were South Cotabato Comelec provincial director Lilian Suan-Radam, former North Cotabato provincial election supervisor Yogie Martirizar, and former Intelligence Service of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (ISAFP) officer Capt. Peter Reyes.

After the issuance of the arrest warrant, Abalos went to the Pasay City RTC to surrender. He was immediately brought to the SPD headquarters, where his mugshots and fingerprints were taken.

Abalos said that his lawyers will file a motion for house arrest and to be allowed to post bail.