GMA files objection to arrest warrant

MANILA, Philippines - The camp of former President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo has asked the Pasay Regional Trial Court (RTC) to suspend its proceedings on the electoral sabotage case filed against her, saying the Sandiganbayan, and not the RTC, should have jurisdiction over the case.

A radio dzMM report said the Arroyo camp filed a consolidated and urgent motion before the sala of Pasay RTC 112 Judge Jesus Mupas, asking the court to suspend the proceedings and objecting to the judge's issuance of an arrest warrant against Arroyo.

The motion noted that the anti-graft court, Sandiganbayan, should have jurisdiction over the case considering that Arroyo was a public official when the alleged crimes were committed. 

It also objected to the issuance of an arrest warrant, saying Arroyo's right to due process was violated by the arrest order.

A National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) team is set to serve the arrest warrant against Arroyo after she was charged with electoral sabotage before the Pasay RTC on Friday morning. 

A radio dzMM report said the NBI team is using unmarked vehicles to make the trip from Manila to Taguig City.

Police officers have also started gathering outside the St. Luke's Medical Center in Fort Bonifacio, Taguig, Metro Manila ahead of Arroyo's possible arrest.

A dzMM report said the police are already talking to the security of St. Luke's Medical Center on serving the arrest warrant against Arroyo. This could mean that Mrs. Arroyo will be fingerprinted and her mug shots taken at the hospital.

Justice Secretary Leila de Lima earlier said she will not object to a hospital arrest for Arroyo.