Arrest Warrant Issued for Gloria Macapagal Arroyo

A local court has issued an arrest warrant for former President and Pampanga Representative Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, former Maguindanao Governor Andal Ampatuan Sr., former Comelec election supervisor Lintang Bedol, and former Comelec chair Benjamin Abalos, according to Yahoo! News Philippines.

"Presiding judge Jesus Mupas found probable cause that the ailing Arroyo, along with former Commission on Elections officials, may be liable for poll rigging," a clerk of court of Pasay Regional Trial Court Branch 112 said.

Electoral sabotage is a non-bailable offense which carries a penalty of life imprisonment.

According to de Lima in a press conference, the warrant of arrest compels Arroyo to stay in the country. "Mrs. Arroyo is compelled to stay in the country, and face the charges of electoral sabotage filed against her, bringing us closer to uncovering the truth behind the controversies surrounding the 2007 elections."

"Rest assured that throughout the judicial process, the government will exercise fairness and impartiality, and will uphold every right that Mrs. Arroyo, as an accused, is entitled to under the constitution," she added.

The ailing Arroyo attempted to leave the country for Singapore shortly before the warrant of arrest was issued regarding the disputed May 2007 presidential election. TV and radio station reports said Arroyo camp has informed NAIA personnel of the cancellation of the former first couple’s scheduled flight for Singapore this afternoon.

Reports said NCRPO Chief Superintendent Alan Purisima and the Taguig City Police chief Tomas Apolinario arrived at the St. Lukes Medical Center to serve the warrant of arrest.

Full Story @ Bazics