MANILA, Oct. 29 (Xinhua) -- The Philippine Supreme Court issued Monday a temporary restraining order against the arrest order issued by Sandiganbayan (the anti-graft court) on former President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo.
Arroyo, who's now under hospital arrest, is facing plunder charges for allegedly misusing intelligence funds of the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO) during her incumbency.
In a resolution dated October 24, 2012, the Supreme Court's Third Division stopped the Sandiganbayan from implementing its October 3 resolution based on a case filed by Nilda Plaras, the intelligence unit head of Commission of Audit.
The high court likewise directed the Sandiganbayan and Ombudsman to file their respective comments on the Plaras petition within 10 days.
Arroyo refused to enter a plea on charges of plunder filed by the Sandiganbayan. The First Division of the Sandiganbayan followed the rules of court and entered a not guilty plea on her behalf.
Last week, Arroyo's lawyers filed a petition asking the Supreme Court to stop the Sandiganbayan from proceeding with her plunder case.
The plunder charge was based from the recommendation of the Senate Blue Ribbon Committee and former PCSO general manager Rosario Uriarte. Arroyo allegedly diverted the agency's special funds intended for basic social services to finance intelligence operations of the military.
Lawyers insisted that Arroyo's participation in the allocation of the funds was limited to merely approving it. They added that the complainants did not have personal knowledge of the allegations stated in the complaint.
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