Manila: A regional trial court in suburban Pasay City has scheduled for February 20 the arraignment of former president Gloria Arroyo for alleged election fraud in 2007.
Dates of her trial will be scheduled after the arraignment.
Pasay City's judge Jesus Mupas also rejected Arroyo's appeal to recall the warrant of arrest that was issued against her.
In her pleading, Arroyo said the complaint filed against her was immediately elevated by the Commission on Elections (Comelec) and the justice department to a regional trial court to prevent her from seeking medical treatment abroad.
Being an elected Congresswoman in 2010, Arroyo added that the complaint filed against her should have been elevated by Comelec and the justice department to the Sandiganbayan (special court), and anti-graft court which has jurisdiction on government officials.
Arroyo has pending appeals for bail and house arrest.
Comelec Chairman Sixto Brillantes Jr. said earlier that he would soon ask the court to move Arroyo to a regular jail if her health improves.
