GMA posts bail in ZTE case

MANILA, Philippines - Pampanga Rep. Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo’s legal counsel paid yesterday P70,000 for the former president’s bail bond at the Sandiganbayan in connection with her alleged involvement in the national broadband network (NBN) anomalous deal in 2007.

Laurence Arroyo brought the amount yesterday in compliance with the anti-graft court’s order to pay the bond before court representatives could be sent to the Veterans Memorial Medical Center (VMMC) to take her fingerprint samples and photographs.

The amount represents Arroyo’s bail bond for two graft cases and one for alleged violation of Republic Act 6713 or the Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards for Public Officials and Employees.

All three cases stemmed from her alleged participation in the NBN deal anomaly about five years ago.

The Sandiganbayan Fourth Division is expected to order the completion of bail proceedings next week and schedule an arraignment date presumably on April 11.

Former first gentleman Jose Miguel Arroyo and former transportation secretary Leandro Mendoza were first to post bail in the amounts of P30,000 each after warrants of arrest were issued against them.

Former elections chief Benjamin Abalos Sr., who, like Arroyo, is already detained for poll sabotage charges, has yet to post bail.

On Thursday, the Fourth Division chaired by Associate Justice Gregory Ong granted the former president’s motion that she be allowed to undergo bail proceedings at the VMMC after Ombudsman prosecutors posed no objection.