Manila: A regional trial court judge allowed former president Gloria Arroyo to remain under hospital arrest while undergoing trial for her alleged involvement in the 2007 rigging of congressional elections, a radio report said.
Arroyo can stay at the Veterans Memorial Medical Centre (VMMC) in suburban Quezon City for treatment, Judge Jesus Mupas, of the Pasay City's regional trial court, ruled.
Her doctors, however, must furnish the court with a monthly report on the condition of the former president, Mupas said in a ruling, adding that the first report must be provided to the court by March 10.
The doctors were also asked to submit Arroyo's monthly expenses at the VMMC, Mupas said.
Continuous treatment
Doctor Antonio Sison testified earlier that the former president would need continuous treatment and therapy.
The court's ruling was in response to a plea issued by Arroyo's counsel Benjamin Santos.
Lawyers of the Commission on Elections said that they would file again a request for her to stay in jail if her condition improves.
They also expressed concern about the size of Arroyo's hospital bill.
