MANILA, Philippines - Judge Jesus Mupas of Pasay Regional Trial Court branch 112 is set to decide on two separate motions filed before the court by the camp of former President Gloria Arroyo and former Commission on Elections Chairman Benjamin Abalos Sr.
Submitted for resolution is Arroyo's motion to recall the warrant of arrest against her. Her motion for bail and motion for house arrest are all held in abeyance pending this decision.
Atty. Jose Flaminiano and Atty. Laurence Arroyo have both withdrawn as the counsel of the former president in the electoral sabotage case against her. Atty. Benjamin Santos will remain on the defense panel.
Meanwhile, also submitted for resolution is Abalos' motion asking Mupas to inhibit from the case, citing an alleged extortion attempt by the emissaries of the judge. The other motions of the former poll body head are likewise held in abeyance pending a decision on the motion to inhibit.
Abalos and his lawyer Atty. Brigido Dulay have earlier been cited for contempt of court after making "unfounded" allegations that Mupas attempted to extort money from them in exchange for favorable decisions in their electoral sabotage case. They were slapped with 10 days of imprisonment and a fine of P2,000 each.