The Sandiganbayan issued a warrant for the arrest of former President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo and her husband Jose Miguel Arroyo in connection with the botched NBN-ZTE telecommunications agreement.

Aside from the Arroyos, the fourth division also ordered the arrest of former Commission on Elections chairman Benjamin Abalos and former Transportation Secretary Leandro Mendoza.

The warrant was released Tuesday.

This is the second criminal case filed against Mrs. Arroyo. The first was on electoral sabotage pending before the Pasay City Regional Trial Court where she had pleaded not guilty.

In her second case, Arroyo is facing two counts for violation of Republic Act 3019 or the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act and a violation of Republic Act 6713 or the Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards for Public Officials and Employees.

Her co-accused, facing one count of violation of the Anti-Graft Law are her husband and lawyerr Jose Miguel, former Commission on Elections Chairman Benjamin Abalos and former Transportation Secretary Leandro Mendoza.

Arroyo is required to post a P70,000 bail for the two counts of graft and violation of RA 6713 while Mr. Arroyo, Abalos and Mendoza are required to pay P30,000 for their temporary liberty.

The Sandiganbayan fourth division is handling a separate graft case against Abalos also involving NBN-ZTE deal. It started hearing the case as early as 2010.

Source: Tech Torres, Philippine Daily Inquirer