Ex-Philippine President Arroyo released on bail after court finds election fraud evidence weak

The Associated Press

MANILA, Philippines - A Philippine court official says former President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo has been released on bail after a judge found weak evidence linking her to an election sabotage case.

Regional Trial Court spokeswoman Felda Domingo says Arroyo was freed after her lawyers posted bail of 1 million-pesos ($23,250).

Arroyo walked out of her hospital detention Wednesday, smiling and wearing a neck brace. She is suffering from a neck ailment and has had three surgeries.

Domingo says Arroyo, elected to Congress in 2010, cannot leave the country and needs court permission to visit her district in northern Pampanga province.

Arroyo is facing a separate plunder case at the anti-graft court.