The Philippine Online Chronicles

The Commission on Elections (Comelec) on Sunday said that it will not object if the court rules in favor of former president Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo staying in the hospital.

In an Inquirer article, Comelec Chairman Sixto Brillantes said that their motion was filed in order to determine if Arroyo is well enough to be transferred to a regular jail, based on her doctor's assessment.

“If not, it’s OK, we’re not forcing her,” Brillantes added.

The statement was made following the testimony of Dr. Antonio Sison of the Veterans Memorial Medical Center (VMMC) last Friday who said that Arroyo needs physical therapy and close supervision.

Judge Jesus Mupas of the Pasay Regional Trial Court deferred ruling on the motion because Arroyo's lawyers requested more time in order for them to obtain a copy of the former president's medical condition and to cross-examine the witness.

Malacanang on Saturday said that they will back the recommendation of the Philippine National Police (PNP) and the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) to let Arroyo stay at VMMC due to security reasons.

Arroyo was arrested on charges of electoral fraud last November 18, 2011 and has since been under hospital arrest.