Malacañang wishes peace for GMA during holidays

MANILA, Philippines - Malacañang welcomes the decision of the Sandiganbayan allowing former President and now Pampanga Second District Rep. Gloria Arroyo to celebrate Christmas and New Year's Eve with her family.

“Ikinagagalak namin na pinahintulutan ng Sandiganbayan ang dating Pangulong Arroyo na ipagdiwang ang Pasko at Bagong Taon na makapiling ang kanyang pamilya," Presidential Communications Operations Office Sec. Coloma said in a press briefing.

Asked for the Palace's Christmas wish for Arroyo, Coloma said everyone hopes for peace and goodwill to reign during this season.

“Lahat naman tayo ay umaasa na ang katahimikan at kapayapaan at kabutihan iiral sa panahon ng Kapaskuhan," Coloma said.

The Sandiganbayan on Thursday allowed the Arroyo family to stay at the Veterans Memorial Medical Center beyond 9 p.m. on Christmas and New Year’s Eve.

Arroyo remains on hospital arrest in connection with the charges of plunder and electoral sabotage filed against her.