Sandiganbayan gives Arroyo 4-day Christmas furlough

MANILA, Philippines – The Sandiganbayan on Monday granted former President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo a four-day furlough to spend Christmas with her family.

The court allowed Arroyo to stay at her La Vista residence in Quezon City from December 23 to 26.

"In its opposition, the prosecution maintains that since accused-movant's motion for hospital leave during the Yuletide season is merely anchored on the magnanimity and compassion of the Court because of the Christmas season, there is no legal basis to grant her temporary liberty from confinement," the resolution read.

The appellate court granted Arroyo a four-day Christmas furlough in light of Pope Francis who is a "personification of mercy and compassion."

"There is no strong evidence that ill-gotten wealth was amassed, accumulated or acquired by any of the accused as in fact the existence of such ill-gotten wealth was not clearly established," the resolution said, noting that the decision was made after a serious deliberation.

The resolution stated that the Director General of the Philippine National Police provide adequate escorts and security for Arroyo.

The incumbent Pampanga representative and former President will be transported from the Veterans Memorial Medical Center at 10:00 a.m. on December 23 to her La Vista residence and will return to the hospital at 2:00 p.m. on December 26.

Arroyo's use of any means of communication and electronics will be monitored by the PNP security.

Media and other news interviews will not be allowed while Arroyo is at her residence.

The former President earlier requested a 12-day furlough to celebrate Christmas and New Year at her La Vista residence with her family.

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