Philippines: COMELEC files poll sabotage case against former President Arroyo

BREAKING NEWS: The Philippine Commission on Elections (COMELEC) an hour ago filed poll sabotage charges against former Philippine President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo, making her the first former President of the Republic to face charges. Under PHilippine law “poll sabotage” is a non-bailable offense. The government also moved to place a hold departure order on Arroyo, who was recently detained at Ninoy Aquino International Airport whle trying to leave for a trip abroad with former first gentlement Mikey Arroyo. Comelec Chairma Sixto Brillantes, who filed the charges, said in a brief ambush interview that that there were others also recommended for electoral sabotage, including military and local government officials.

COMMENT: This is already starting to gain strength as an international story, and will of course be huge in the Philippines. Will be keeping track of this one.