GMA seeks SC permission to vote

MANILA, Philippines – Former president Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo has asked the Supreme Court to allow her to vote on May 9. 

In a petition, a copy of which was furnished to the Sandiganbayan yesterday, Arroyo asked that she be allowed to leave the Veterans Memorial Medical Center and travel to Lubao in Pampanga where she is a registered voter.

Arroyo, who is seeking reelection as representative of the second district of Pampanga, said the law does not disqualify a prisoner from voting during elections.

“The Commission on Elections recognizes the rights of prisoners to vote,” she said in a motion filed by her lawyers.

The former president’s camp said allowing her to vote is consistent with the constitutional presumption of innocence, noting only persons convicted by a final judgment are barred from voting. 

Arroyo has been under “hospital arrest” due to a plunder case filed against her two years ago.

The case stemmed from her alleged misuse of Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office funds.

 She has asked the high court to junk the case after the Sandiganbayan denied her motion to dismiss it.

Arroyo has also asked the high court to place her under house arrest, citing her doctors’ statement that her continued hospital confinement has not improved her condition.