Prosecutor says GMA should just visit Iggy wake in Congress

MANILA, Philippines - The lead prosecutor of the Commission on Elections (Comelec) will argue tomorrow before the Pasay City Regional Trial Court (RTC) to just allow former President and now Pampanga Rep. Gloria Arroyo a three-hour visit to the wake of the late Negros Occidental Rep. Ignacio “Iggy” Arroyo at the House of Representatives, instead of a three-day furlough.

Lawyer Esmeralda Ladra told The STAR that they will oppose the motion filed by Arroyo’s lawyers for a three-day furlough.

“For security reasons we want the former president to visit the Congress wake because it’s more secured,” she said.

Judge Jesus Mupas of Pasay RTC branch 112 had earlier ruled to allow the former leader an eight-hour visit to her La Vista home, but since the remains of her brother-in-law have not yet arrived, her lawyers filed another motion for furlough from March 1 to 3.

The prosecution also wants the former president to shoulder all expenses, including food of the security personnel, during her three-hour visit to the wake.

Felda Domingo, Branch 112 spokesperson, said the court has invited police officials in charge of Arroyo’s security to determine the security arrangements.

Judge Mupas is expected to give a ruling on Monday on the re-filed motion of Arroyo’s lawyers.

Defense lawyer Benjamin Santos earlier told The STAR that they want the visit of the former president to be confidential so as not to attract media attention.

“If possible we do not want to give any schedule because it is purely a family affair,” he said, adding that they will insist on the La Vista visit because “it was there that Mike (Arroyo) and Iggy grew up.”