MANILA, Philippines - Pasay Regional Trial Court Judge Jesus Mupas and clerk of court Joel Pelicano inspected possible detention facilities for former President Gloria Arroyo on Monday.
Their first stop was the Southern Police District headquarters, where a large room is being prepared for Arroyo.
It has one bed, a kitchen, receiving area, and bathroom.
"Malaki na ito para sa ordinaryong tao pero medyo maliit para sa dating pangulo. Pero di naman pwedeng luxurious. Kung ano treatment kay Erap, dati ganun din sa kanya," Pelicano said.
They next went to the V. Luna Medical Center or the Armed Forces of the Philippines Medical Center in Quezon City, but journalists were not allowed inside.
Maguindanao massacre suspect Andal Ampatuan Sr. stayed there for a time.
The judge also inspected the presidential suite at the Veterans Memorial Medical Center, also, in Quezon City, where former President Joseph Estrada stayed while he was under hospital arrest.
Their last stop was the Philippine Orthopedic Center in Banawe St., Quezon City.
Of the 4 facilities, Mupas said he is considering the Veterans and Orthopedic hospitals for Mrs. Arroyo.
Mrs. Arroyo was charged and arrested last November 18 for electoral sabotage of the 2007 mid-term elections. She is currently under hospital arrest at the St. Luke's Medical Center in Bonifacio Global City, Taguig.
No special treatment for GMA
Meanwhile, some lawmakers said Monday that there should be no special treatment for the former President.
"Ang joint position namin is that walang special treatment. Walang house arrest, walang hospital arrest," Bayan Muna partylist Rep. Teddy Casiño said.
"House arrest means nagdodouble standard tayo. Kung allow mo house arrest si GMA sa magagarang bahay, it won't be an arrest but a rest," said Gabriela Rep. Luz Ilagan.
Malacañang, meanwhile, said it is keeping its hands off the issue.
"Hindi po kami nag-iinsist kung saan po siya nilalagay. We have been consistent from the beginning in saying that this matter is now solely with the trial court judge," said deputy presidential spokesperson Abigail Valte.
The court is expected to decide on where Arroyo will be detained in the 2nd week of December.
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