A local court has ruled out house detention for former president Gloria Arroyo, even during the Christmas break. Judge Mupas of the Pasay City Regional Trial Court cited security reasons for not allowing Arroyo’s request. She wanted to spend the Christmas holidays in her house in La Vista, Quezon City.
The use of a cell phone and laptop computer has likewise been disallowed but members of her immediate family may visit her from December 24 up to January 2, 2012. She is also allowed to have a TV set and radio inside the hospital’s presidential suite.
The Pampanga representative may leave her hospital room for fresh air and sunlight for one hour every morning. The time can also be used to pray in the hospital chapel. The court’s decision is under appeal.