GMA set to face Sandigan

MANILA, Philippines - Pampanga Rep. Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo and her husband Jose Miguel are expected to appear tomorrow before the Sandiganbayan for their arraignment on graft charges in connection with the botched $329-million national broadband network (NBN) deal with China’s ZTE Corp. in 2007.

Their co-respondents, former Commission on Elections (Comelec) chairman Benjamin Abalos and ex-transportation secretary Leandro Mendoza, are also expected to attend the arraignment at the anti-graft court’s Fourth Division chaired by Associate Justice Gregory Ong.

Sandiganbayan executive clerk of court and spokesperson Renato Bocar said the Philippine National Police (PNP), in coordination with the anti-graft court’s Sheriffs Office, will implement tight security during the proceedings.

Like in the plunder trial of former President Joseph Estrada, Bocar said even members of the media will have to submit themselves to accreditation to ensure the safety of everyone attending the arraignment.

Fourth Division clerk of court Jeoffre Gil Zapata explained that although Abalos has yet to post bail, he will still be arraigned since the warrant of arrest issued against him had been served.

The former president’s lawyer Laurence Arroyo, meanwhile, said no last minute motions will be filed today as they intend to “proceed with the arraignment.”

 Arroyo is presently detained at the Veterans Memorial Medical Center (VMMC) on separate charges of electoral sabotage with Abalos as her co-accused.

The Arroyos, Abalos, and Mendoza are accused of involvement in the anomalous and overpriced NBN contract between the Philippine government and China’s ZTE Corp.

Mrs. Arroyo posted a P70,000 bail for three separate cases last week while the former first gentleman and Mendoza each posted a P30,000 bail for their temporary liberty.