Comelec rejects house arrest for Gloria

MANILA, Philippines - Commission on Elections Chairman Sixto Brillantes Jr. on Wednesday continued to oppose a motion by former President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo to be placed under house arrest.

"Definitely house arrest is out of the question. Pag sinabi ng doctor na ok na sya, dun na sya sa regular detention facility. Meron naman kaming magandang detention facility sa Southern Police District," he said.

Brillantes, however, said it will be up to Pasay judge Jesus Mupas if he will grant Mrs. Arroyo's request for house arrest.

"It's all up to the judge. Everything is up to the judge if papayagan niya. As prosecutors, trabaho namin is to oppose to avoid any showing of special treatment. Oppose lang kami ng oppose," he said.

Mrs. Arroyo is under hospital arrest at the Veterans Memorial Medical Center (VMMC) for charges of electoral sabotage at the Pasay Regional Trial Court (RTC) Branch 112.

'No to special election for Iggy's district'

Brillantes, meanwhile, said he is against the holding of a special election for Negros Occidental's 5th district after the death of Congressman Ignacio "Iggy" Arroyo.

The Comelec chief said the poll body is already preparing for the 2013 midterm election.

He added that conducting a special election would be an additional expense for Comelec.

"Pinasabi ko na rin sa Congress na we are not inclined to hold special elections but it's up to them. Kung mag resolution sila, we will be compelled," he said.

"Kami lugi. Di naman kami binibigyan ng pera. Savings namin nagagamit sa special elections kaya ayaw namin gamitin. We'd rather use it for the 2013...2013 elections uli, sayang lang ang pera," he added.