As Arroyo braces for surgery, PNoy wishes her well

Despite their political differences, President Benigno Aquino III still wishes his predecessor and now Pampanga Rep. Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo would surpass whatever illness she has. “Kahit sino naman pong Kristiyano nanaisin na kung ano man yun karamdaman niya ay malaktawan (niya) at magamot siya ng husto," Aquino told reporters after attending the opening ceremonies of the National Science and Technology Week in Pasay City Wednesday. Aquino also refused to comment on the "timing" of Mrs. Arroyo's illness, saying it will be unchristian of him to do so. “Tinuruan ako ng mga magulang ko na wag mag-impute sa taong may sakit. Siguro, pagiging unchristian naman yun," the President added. He said he knew of Mrs. Arroyo’s condition only from the news. Former Quezon City Rep Maite Defensor, Mrs. Arroyo’s spokesperson, said the former President may undergo the spine surgery within the week to avert a possible paralysis. Aquino, however, assured the public that regardless of Mrs. Arroyo’s condition “the wheels of justice will have to move and to turn." Mrs. Arroyo is facing a string of plunder charges — a fifth one was filed last Tuesday for the alleged misuse of P325-million funds of the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO). Aside from plunder, Mrs. Arroyo was also charged with violation of Republic Act 3019 or the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act, as well as malversation of public funds. Asked if he is open to have Mrs. Arroyo under hospital or house arrest if cases are filed against her, the President Aquino said he will leave it to the courts to decide. “Should she be arrested, the question of where she will be detained will be under the purview of the court, it is not something that the executive department determines within our system of laws," he said. Last Monday afternoon, Mrs. Arroyo was rushed to the St. Luke's Medical Center in Taguig City after making her rounds of barangays in Pampanga. On Tuesday, doctors said Arroyo needs to undergo "risky surgery" for a pinched nerve in her spine to prevent a possible paralysis. Doctors said the surgery was "risky" because it involved "very sensitive nerves" in the spinal cord that are responsible for the movement of the upper extremities as well as respiratory muscles. — LBG/HS, GMA News