Arroyo reiterates bid for Christmas leave from detention

MANILA, Philippines - Former President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo reiterated her plea for a 12-day furlough to celebrate Christmas and New Year with her family.

Arroyo filed a motion on Monday to be allowed to stay in her La Vista residence from December 23, 2014 to January 3, 2015.

The former president's counsel Modesto Ticman Jr. requested before the First Division of Sandiganbayan that Arroyo's motion be granted for "humanitarian and compassionate considerations."

"In the spirit of the Yuletide season and for humanitarian and compassionate considerations, we respectfully ask this court to grant Mrs. Arroyo's petition. She really needs to be with her family," Ticman said.

Sandiganbayan granted Arroyo a daily furlough from November 4 to 9 for her to attend the wake and internment of her one-year-old grandson.

READ: Sandigan grants GMA daily furlough for grandson’s wake

According to a report, First Division chairman Associate Justice Efren dela Cruz gave the prosecution until December 10 to comment on Arroyo's motion.

Upon receiving the prosecution's comments, the defense will have three days to reply, after which, the resolution will be submitted.

Arroyo is currently under hospital arrest at the Veterans Memorial Medical Center for a plunder case for the alleged misuse of Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office intelligence funds during her term as President.

The former President also requested a Christmas furlough last year but was not approved.

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