Negros Occidental Gov. Alfredo Marañon Jr. yesterday said he feels sorry for President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo but justice has to be done.

“If she is at fault she has to face the consequences of what she has done,” he said of the charges for electoral sabotage filed against her.

Integrated Bar of the Philippines Negros chapter president Felomino Tan, on the other hand, told ABS-CBN recent government actions against the former president appeared to be political harassment.

Judge Jesus Mupas of the Pasay City Regional Trial Court yesterday allowed Arroyo for “humanitarian reasons” to remain under hospital arrest at St. Luke’s Medical Center in Taguig City until Friday when issues surrounding the case are discussed.

Jose Flaminiano, lawyer of Arroyo, sought her continued hospital detention given her frail condition. He also cited the directive of President Aquino to accord Arroyo the utmost respect as former head of state.

The lawyer also mentioned the government’s position that it would not oppose any request for Arroyo’s hospital arrest, which was echoed by Maria Juana Valeza, a lawyer for the Commission on Elections law department.

Meanwhile, the Supreme Court will address today a petition seeking to nullify the electoral sabotage raps and the consequent arrest of Arroyo.

SC spokesman Midas Marquez denied accusations the high court may decide in favor of Arroyo and allow her to go scot-free.*CPG

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