Palace backs Comelec opposition to GMA's petition for bail

MANILA, Philippines - Malacañang expressed support yesterday to the Commission on Elections’ opposition to Pampanga Rep. Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo’s petition to post bail, saying an electoral sabotage case is a non-bailable offense.

However, deputy presidential spokesperson Abigail Valte said over radio dzRB that it would be up to the poll body to defend its position asking the Pasay City Regional Trial court to reject bail.

“We will defer to the position that is taken by the Comelec. They are the ones prosecuting that,” she said.

Arroyo is seeking temporary liberty pending the trial of the electoral sabotage charge filed against her, saying the pieces of evidence against her were not strong.

Lead prosecutor Esmeralda Ladra told Pasay Judge Jesus Mupas that the prosecution has strong evidence and witnesses to prove conspiracy in the case filed against Arroyo and her co-accused former Maguindanao Gov. Andal Ampatuan Sr. and former election officer Lintang Bedol.

The government prosecutor asked the court for enough time so that they could present their witnesses and evidence to back up their opposition to the former president’s petition for bail.

Arroyo’s lawyer Benjamin Santos argued before the court that under the Constitution, every accused has the right to post bail.

Santos said every accused, even those facing capital offenses that carry the penalty of life imprisonment, have the right to bail if there is no strong evidence of guilt.

Arroyo remains under arrest at the Veterans Memorial Medical Center (VMMC) in Quezon City. She was recently granted furlough to visit her brother-in-law’s wake.