The Philippine national government through the Malacañang Palace told Davao City Mayor Rodrigo Duterte that he could not just order the release of former President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, who had been placed unter hospital arrest since the year 2011 for alleged electoral fraud and plunder.
Presidential Communications Secretary Herminio Coloma said that “under existing laws, only the courts have the jurisdiction and the authority to rule on the status of an accused, including petitions for bail.”
The aspiring presidential candidate who is considered as one of the most popular candidates on social media, Mayor Rodrigo Duterte of Davao City received cheers during his visit in San Fernando City, Pampanga after he promised that he would release the former president, once elected as country’s chief executive.
Former President Arroyo, who is now a Pampanga Representative was arrested in 2011 for alleged electoral sabotage in the 2007 elections, but was allowed bail in 2012.
Although the congresswoman was allowed bail, the Sandiganbayan ordered her arrest for plunder, before she could be freed, in connection with the alleged misuse of over P365 million in intelligence funds of he state-run Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO).
The representative from Pampanga then won an order from the Supreme Court temporarily stopping her trial for plunder. Rep. Arroyo has claimed the evidence against her was insufficient and that detention has worsened her many ailments.
