Doctors recommend continued hospital arrest for GMA

MANILA, Philippines - A team of doctors issued a medical report yesterday reaffirming that former President and now Pampanga Rep. Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo should continue her therapy at the Veterans Memorial Medical Center (VMMC).

Following a court order from the Pasay City Regional Trial Court (RTC), Ruben Cardinas, Antonio Sison, Rafaelita Javier and Martha Nucom recommended the “continued therapy of Arroyo” at the hospital.

However, Felda Domingo, RTC Branch 112 spokesperson, told The STAR that the medical report did not define how long Arroyo would be staying in the hospital.

“They (medical team) only submitted a medical abstract and clinical report regarding the health condition of the patient,” Domingo said.

The medical report will be used to resolve the motion filed by the Commission on Elections to transfer Arroyo from the VMMC to a regular jail facility.

Arroyo’s lawyers are expected to file a counter motion during the hearing today.

The arraignment of Arroyo, former Maguindanao Gov. Andal Ampatuan Sr., and former election officer Lintang Bedol is set on Feb. 20. The three officials are facing electoral sabotage charges in relation to the May 2007 midterm election.

Meanwhile, the court will also hear today the urgent motion filed by Arroyo seeking permission to attend the wake of late Negros Occidental Rep. Ignacio Arroyo.