The Philippine Online Chronicles

Pampanga Rep. Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo’s spokesperson said the former president has somehow accepted the possibility of being detained in a government facility.

Her lawyer and spokesperson Raul Lambino said they are now mulling the options given by the government, such as detention at the Armed Forces of the Philippines Medical Center or at the Southern Police District (SPD) headquarters in Taguig.

GMA 7 showed footage this afternoon of an SPD room being cleaned and painted for Arroyo’s use.

“She could suffer the same treatment that was given to Erap, that is, to be detained in a government facility or hospital. We are ready for that. It could happen,” Lambino said.

He even quoted Arroyo saying, “’We accorded Erap a resort arrest, the best resort that he has. If P-noy (President Aquino) can’t give us the same courtesy, so be it.’ She’s spiritually, psychologically, and emotionally prepared for all the hardships she’s going to face and she’s now facing. I don’t know if her physical body can take all this.”

Lambino admitted that it would be difficult to convince the government to allow Arroyo’s house arrest, especially now that the administration’s position has changed after the former president’s doctors testified that she is fit enough to be an out-patient.

Meanwhile, the SPD had already asked the Philippine National Police for funds to renovate their old media lounge to be used for Arroyo’s detention. They said they are planning to build an extension to serve as receiving area for visitors.

The Pasay City Regional Trial Court which charged Arroyo for electoral sabotage is set to visit the SPD facility next week.

President Benigno Aquino III said he does not object to hospital arrest but it is the courts who will decide.

"They [courts] are the only ones empowered to decide where to incarcerate people that they ordered arrested. We are the executive we are tasked to follow the mandates of the court when it comes to the law," he told Business World Online.

"I think prudence dictates that I not comment on the matter… I might be construed as trying to influence the decision of the court,” he added.