MANILA, Philippines — Lawmakers on Saturday considered as “fair” the continued hospital detention of former President and Pampanga Rep. Gloria Macapagal Arroyo amid allegations that the Aquino government was applying a “double standard” in her case by giving her special treatment.

Newly installed Minority Leader and Quezon Rep. Danilo Suarez and Deputy Minority Leader and Zambales Rep. Ma. Milagros Magsaysay said there is nothing wrong with the government’s decision to allow the continued stay of Mrs. Arroyo at the Veterans Memorial Medical Center (VMMC).

“She is sick and all the reasons are there that warrant her continued stay at the VMMC,” Suarez said in a phone interview.

VMMC Director Dr. Nona Legaspi has reported that the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) and the Philippine National Police (PNP) have extended Mrs. Arroyo’s hospital detention, citing her health condition and security issues.

“The doctors of the VMMC have spoken so that will take precedence above all considerations,” Magsaysay said in a text message.

Akbayan Rep. Walden Bello also agreed with the government’s move, as he cautioned that Mrs. Arroyo’s unpopularity “might be a great risk in having her transferred to regular cell.”

Bello said “I am willing to agree to the opinion of government health experts here. This consideration impelled me to agree to a continuation of her hospital detention for the time being.”

Ifugao Rep. Teddy Brawner Baguilat Jr., chairman of the House Committee on National Cultural Communities, also supported Mrs. Arroyo’s extended stay at the VMMC.

“Whether one thinks it is justified or not, it is an indication that the oft-criticized system of accountability in the Philippines is taking effect. That the detainee is a former President and incumbent congressman stresses the path that no one is above the law. That she is in a hospital, not in a jailhouse, amid comfortable settings and has one of her champions being subjected to an impeachment court shows how precarious the situation is,” Baguilat said.

But Bayan Muna Rep. Neri Colmenares disagreed, accusing the Aquino administration of giving special treatment to the former President.

“From the start, we have been demanding that Gloria Macapagal Arroyo be treated like others charged and be taken to an ordinary detention center. As it is, she has been given special treatment by the Aquino administration and as the days pass by, it is being handled more with kid gloves,” Colmenares said in a text message.

“This treatment is an insult to ordinary prisoners, particularly political prisoners many of whom died inside detention centers without being treated of their sickness. There is a clear double standard regarding Gloria’s continued detention at the VMMC. Those who are corrupt and human rights violators should not be pampered,” he said.

Gabriela Rep. Luz Ilagan described the government’s decision as unfair, saying that “we are being played as fools by GMA (Mrs. Arroyo’s initials).”

“The reasons for her hospital arrest are not there anymore. Now she is using her arthritis, which is an ordinary ailment as a new reason to avoid regular prison. It is too much,” Ilagan said.

Mrs. Arroyo has been under hospital arrest since last December 9, when she was charged with electoral sabotage before a Pasay City court.

She is also facing three criminal charges before the Sandiganbayan in connection with the aborted National Broadband Network (NBN) deal with China's Zhongxing Telecommunication Equipment (ZTE) Corporation.