Philippine gov’t disagrees with United Nations arbitration group regarding Arroyo’s detention

Clooney was responsible in calling worldwide attention on the plight of Arroyo by filing a complaint against President Aquino and the Philippine government before the UN.

Clooney said the WGAD requested the Philippine government to ensure “fair trials” and proceed with the cases without undue delay.

Arroyo has spent over three years in detention as a result of unproved and politically motivated criminal charges and without any conviction having been entered against her, according to the summary of the former president’s claim to the UN.

If she wins, it will be her last term as representative of Pampanga’s second district. “I don’t think the court has violated any worldwide law and the court has always observed all the processes that are in place in the country”.

Justice Secretary Leila de Lima said the detention of former President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo is not arbitrary and illegal and has basis under Philippine laws.

Coloma noted that there is an on-going judicial process in the Philippine courts, which has sole jurisdiction to decide on such matters. “The Philippine government, or any worldwide body for that matter, cannot interfere nor influence the course of an independent judicial proceeding”, he added.

The United Nations report backs appeals filed by Mrs Arroyo asking the Supreme Court to overrule the Sandiganbayan and allow her to post bail.

“Despite the fact that she can not attend sessions or committee hearings, marami po siyang continued na fina-file na mga bills and most are important kaya napapa-approve sa committee level and on third reading even in the House”, Lambino argued confident that the former president will enjoy the continued support of her constituents.

“They seem to be taking issue on the denial of bail, but that is provided in the Constitution”.

“We have our laws here”.

In an interview with reporters Thursday, Gadon admitted the United Nations body could only pursuade and not force the Philippine government to follow its recommendation.

Arroyo, who is reportedly suffering degenerative diseases of the bones and cartilage of the neck, is presently in hospital arrest at the Veterans Memorial Medical Center (VMMC).