GMA court appearance cancelled

MANILA, Philippines - Former President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo’s scheduled appearance at the Pasay City Regional Trial Court (RTC) Branch 112 on Jan. 31 court has been cancelled.

Authorities fear a possible “security nightmare” when heavily armed policemen and jail guards crowd the limited court space.

Felda Domingo, RTC Branch 112 spokesperson, said Judge Jesus Mupas decided that the pre-trial order will be sent to the accused for signature after conferring with police and Commission on Elections (Comelec) officials.

“Due to security which cannot be accommodated by the court, the pre-trial order will be served personally to  each accused accompanied by court officers, counsels and Comelec prosecutors,” she said.

Domingo said the signing of the pre-trial order was reset to Jan. 24, but the pre-trial will proceed as scheduled on Jan. 31.

The scheduled appearance of Arroyo’s co-accused, former governor Andal Ampatuan Sr. and Lintang Bedol, has also been canceled and the pre-trial order will also be sent to them for signature.

Arroyo and her co-accused are facing electoral sabotage charges in relation to the alleged cheating in elections in Maguindanao in 2007.

Arroyo is under hospital detention at the Veterans Memorial Medical Center in Quezon City.

Ampatuan is detained in the Metro Manila Detention Center in Bicutan, Taguig, while Bedol is detained at the Camp Crame Custodial Center.

Pre-trial hearings are scheduled on Jan. 31 and Feb. 7.