MANILA (AP) - A Philippine court has rejected a request by arrested ex-President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo to celebrate Christmas at home and use her cellphone and laptop in detention.
Judge Jesus Mupas of the Pasay Regional Trial Court cited security reasons on Wednesday for denying Mrs Arroyo's request to leave a military hospital where she is detained on electoral fraud charges. She wanted to celebrate Christmas and New Year at her upscale home.
Mr Mupas, however, will allow her family, children and grandchildren to celebrate the holidays with her. Mr Mupas says her rights have been curtailed after her arrest last month although she remains a member of the House of Representatives.
Mrs Arroyo failed to get an approval to use her cellphone and laptop but is allowed to use the TV and radio.
