The Philippine Online Chronicles

The Branch 112 of the Pasay Regional Trial Court decided today that former president Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo be allowed to stay at the Veterans' Memorial Medical Center (VMMC) to further recuperate from her various ailments.

According to the Inquirer, Judge Jesus Mupas decided on the motion in favor of Arroyo provided that her doctors submit a monthly report on the former president's condition. He also directed the VMMC management to submit a report of Arroyo's expenses at the hospital following the concerns expressed by the prosecutors that her bills might be ballooning.

The decision came after the Arroyo's counsel asked the court to let her stay in the hospital. Last week, Dr. Antonio Sison of VMMC testified that the former president still needs to undergo physical therapy and close supervision.

Last month, the Commission on Elections (Comelec) filed a motion requesting that the court determine if Arroyo is fit enough to be transferred to a regular jail. Comelec Chairman Sixto Brillantes said that they will not object if the court rules against their favor.

The Philippine National Police (PNP) and the Department of Interior ang Local Government (DILG) recently recommended to let the former president stay in hospital due to security reasons.

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