“We are not humiliating former President Arroyo. This is the process that she has to undergo now, like every accused who faces certain cases in our system,” deputy presidential spokesperson Abigail Valte stressed.
Valte maintained that it is not for the executive department to say whether the Pampanga congresswoman should spend time in jail or be accorded either hospital or house arrest, since the decision rests with the judiciary.
“It is not for us to meddle with the decision of the Pasay City Regional Trial Court. It’s up to the Court of Appeals, and eventually with the Supreme Court (to decide what is best for GMA),” she said.
She also clarified that the detention facility being prepared by the Southern Police District and the hospitals “on standby” are only “contingency measures” being undertaken by the government in case the Pasay court does not grant the request of Arroyo for house arrest.
“As to our preference, we would not comment because President Aquino does not want that he be accused of being biased or he is trying to pin down anybody,” Valte explained.
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