Ex-Pres. Arroyo 'tired and depressed,' says spokesman

Former President and incumbent Pampanga Rep. Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo remains "tired and depressed" the weekend after her arrest on charges of electoral sabotage, one of her spokespersons said Monday. Mrs. Arroyo's legal spokesman, defeated 2010 senatorial bet Raul Lambino, also said the former Philippine leader's condition remained weak as of Sunday night, radio dzBB's Rodil Vega reported Monday. The report quoted Lambino as saying Mrs. Arroyo received some visitors Sunday night, including members of her former Cabinet. Her husband, former First Gentleman Jose Miguel Arroyo, and son Camarines Sur Rep. Diosdado "Dato" Arroyo also stayed with her Sunday night, the report added. Lambino also said Mrs. Arroyo is sore over what happened at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport last week. Last Tuesday night, Mrs. Arroyo was barred from leaving the country even after the Supreme Court issued a temporary restraining order against a watch list order on her. This prompted her to proceed to the St. Luke's Medical Center in Taguig City, where she has been confined since due to bone mineral disorder and hypoparathyroidism. Mrs. Arroyo has remained at the hospital even after she was arrested Friday night on charges of electoral sabotage during the 2007 elections. Also charged were former Maguindanao Gov. Andal Ampatuan Sr and former Maguindanao election supervisor Lintang Bedol. Mrs. Arroyo’s lawyers plan to question the supposed haste with which a Pasay City court issued the arrest warrant against her—less than 12 hours after the Commission on Elections lodged electoral sabotage charges against her. Meanwhile, police security remained tight at the hospital. Acting Southern Police District head Senior Superintendent James Bucayu said they are ready to follow the orders of the Pasay City court on where to detain Mrs. Arroyo. The court will meet on Monday morning for the first hearing of the case. The police earlier prepared a detention facility for Mrs. Arroyo should the court order her detained at the SPD headquarters. House Speaker Feliciano Belmonte Jr. said Sunday the House of Representatives will not offer to take Mrs. Arroyo into custody. — KG/RSJ, GMA News