In this July 22, 2011, photo Congresswoman and former President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo waits at the Department of Justice in Manila July 22, 2011, to swear the authenticity of her affidavit towards the corruption charges against her. A court on Monday granted permission to Arroyo, who is detained in a hospital, to spend Christmas at home.

MANILA: A Philippines court ruled on Monday that ailing former president Gloria Macapagal Arroyo, detained on corruption charges since 2012, can spend Christmas with her family at home, although police guards will be posted at the residence.

Arroyo was barred from leaving the country in October 2011, and has been detained in a military hospital since 2012 on corruption charges over the misuse of charity funds. She wears a neck brace and has lost weight.

The 67-year-old has denied any wrongdoing. Her lawyers argue the cases against her are weak and cannot be proven, but the administration of President Benigno Aquino continues to cite her cases as example of anti-corruptipn drive.

Arroyo’s Christmas furlough will begin on Dec. 23 and will end of Dec. 26 but the court banned her from using mobile phones and computers at home. She was also barred from giving press interviews and guards will be posted at her side.

The Sandiganbayan court cited mercy and compassion, the theme of Pope Francis pastoral visit to the Philippines next month, in allowing Arroyo’s request.

[wpResize]