GMA seeks speedy trial

MANILA, Philippines - Detained former President and Pampanga Rep. Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo is seeking a speedy trial of the electoral sabotage charges filed against her before the Pasay City Regional Trial Court (RTC) in connection with the 2007 midterm elections.

Arroyo made the statement through her lawyer Benjamin Santos during yesterday’s hearing on her motion to proceed with her arraignment originally scheduled on Feb. 20.

The court has postponed the arraignment of Arroyo and her co-accused, former Maguindanao Gov. Andal Ampatuan Sr. and former provincial election supervisor Lintang Bedol from Feb. 20 to March 19, 2012 to resolve pending motions filed by the two.

The lawyers of Ampatuan and Bedol earlier filed motions for the judicial determination of probable cause and dismissal of the case.

The two sought the postponement of the arraignment since there is a pending appeal before the Supreme Court questioning the legality of the electoral sabotage charge.

“We want a separate arraignment for the former president,” Santos told The STAR.

Santos said it would be a security nightmare if Arroyo will be arraigned together with Ampatuan who will be coming from the high-security compound of Camp Bagong Diwa in Taguig and Bedol from the Philippine National Police (PNP) Custodial Center at Camp Crame.

Felda Domingo, RTC Branch 112 spokesperson, said the motion of Arroyo was submitted for resolution and Judge Jesus Mupas may issue an order in the next five days.