THE House opposition bloc yesterday expressed strong disappointment over the “bullet train” arrest order issued by Judge Jesus Mupas of the Pasay City Regional Trial Court (RTC) Branch 112 against former President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo which stemmed from her electoral sabotage case in the 2007 elections.

House Minority Leader and Albay Rep. Edcel Lagman said the filing of a case and issuance of arrest order against Mrs. Arroyo, now a Pampanga representative, on the same day were part of the game plan to intentionally prevent the latter from leaving the country.

That is a precipitated action and the bullet train ruling seems to be part of the game plan to prevent Mrs. Arroyo from seeking medical treatment abroad. We are very disappointed,” said Lagman in an interview.

In a press conference, Cavite Rep. Joseph Emilio Aguinaldo Abaya Jr., secretary general of the Liberal Party (LP), welcomed the ruling as this would prevent the supposed perceived escape of Mrs. Arroyo.

“Definitely the end result here is just to prevent the perceived escape of the (former) President now that she has restricted movement and I believe that the fair justice system will require a better trial,” said Abaya.

House Deputy Speaker and Quezon Rep. Lorenzo “Erin” Tañada III said the arrest warrant against Mrs. Arroyo would allow the court to intelligently study the petition of Mrs. Arroyo to seek medical treatment abroad as trial in absentia can be used in case the latter evades justice.

“The arrest order will pave the way for her arraignment and after being arraigned, her petition can be discussed thoroughly because she can be tried in absentia,” said Tañada.

Trial in absentia means that a trial can proceed even if the defendant is not physically present in court.

Earlier yesterday, Commission on Elections (Comelec) spokesman James Jimenez said the agency filed the electoral sabotage case against Mrs. Arroyo.

Jimenez disclosed that ex-Maguindanao Gov. Andal Ampatuan Sr. and former election supervisor Lintang Bedol were included in the charge sheet but former first gentleman Jose Miguel “Mike” Arroyo was excluded for insufficient evidence.