MANILA, Philippines (AP) — Former Philippine President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo has pleaded not guilty to an electoral fraud charge at the opening of a landmark trial.
The case against Arroyo has emerged a key test for her reformist successor, President Benigno Aquino III, who has promised to root out corruption and said that no one should be allowed to evade justice.
Arroyo was escorted early Thursday under tight security to a Manila courtroom from a military hospital where she is detained while being treated for spine ailment.
She was president from 2001 to 2010. The case against her involves senatorial polls in 2007, when she is accused of rigging the results to favor her candidates.
Her husband, Miguel Arroyo, called the case against his wife an injustice.
THIS IS A BREAKING NEWS UPDATE. Check back soon for further information. AP's earlier story is below.
MANILA, Philippines (AP) — Former Philippine President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo is set to enter a plea on electoral fraud charges at the first day of a trial that the court calls a historic event.
The case against Arroyo has emerged a key test for her reformist successor, President Benigno Aquino III, who has promised to root out corruption and said that no one should be allowed to evade justice.
Arroyo is being escorted early Thursday under tight security to a Manila courtroom from a military hospital where she is detained while being treated for a spine ailment.
Court spokeswoman Felda Domingo says the case is historic because "the votes of the people were sabotaged and the accused is a former president."
Arroyo's husband said his wife feels the case is an injustice.
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