GMA wants to attend brother’s burial

MANILA, Philippines - Former President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo yesterday asked the Sandiganbayan to allow her to attend her brother’s wake at the Heritage Park in Taguig today and the interment on Saturday.

In a motion filed before the anti-graft court’s First Division, lawyers said Arroyo also wishes to attend the traditional ninth day novena on Aug. 19.

The Sandiganbayan earlier granted Arroyo’s request to attend the wake of her elder brother Arturo Macapagal.

Magistrates allowed Arroyo to leave the Veterans Memorial Medical Center (VMMC) from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday.

Arroyo, who is under hospital arrest facing charges of plunder before the Sandiganbayan, earlier asked for a chance to visit her ailing brother at the Makati Medical Center.

However, the elder Arroyo succumbed Tuesday ahead of his sister’s visit at the hospital. Arturo died after suffering from stage four prostate cancer.

The Sandiganbayan is expected to rule on the former president’s latest request after ombudsman prosecutors submit their comment.

Arroyo, now a congresswoman of Pampanga, has been under hospital arrest at the VMMC for her alleged involvement in the misuse of Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office funds.