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Spokesman: Arroyos to talk on poll fraud in 'proper forum'


Former President and now Pampanga Rep. Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo and former First Gentleman Jose Miguel Arroyo will talk on alleged poll fraud in the 2007 elections but only in the proper forum, Mrs. Arroyo's spokesman said Friday. Lawyer Raul Lambino's statement was in response to resigned Sen. Juan Miguel Zubiri's call for the former First Couple to speak out on cheating in the 2007 polls. "Siguro sa tamang forum at investigation magbibigay ng panig ang mga Arroyo sa accusation na ibinabato sa kanila," Lambino said in an interview on dzBB radio. Asked if the former president is aware of Zubiri's call to Mrs. Arroyo, Lambino said "Siguro nabasa na sa pahayagan o napakinggan sa balita kagabi ang statement ni dating Senator Zubiri. According to Lambino, Arroyo had been barred by her doctors from access to television, newspapers, her phone and laptop, although the restrictions were "lifted" earlier this week. Arroyo was discharged Friday morning from the St. Luke's Medical Center after undergoing a spine surgery last July 29. On Thursday, Zubiri said the Arroyos must talk on charges of cheating in the 2007 elections. Zubiri resigned Wednesday over allegations that the 2007 elections were rigged in favor of administration candidates, particularly in Maguindanao. Meanwhile, Lambino said Arroyo is doing well although she had been advised by doctors to rest her vocal cords. He said Arroyo may not yet immediately return to work at the House of Representatives, adding that the former president may return to the hospital for checkups. Watch list meant to shame Arroyos Meanwhile, Lambino branded as uncalled for the government's inclusion of the former First Gentleman in the immigration watch list. The former First Gentleman is scheduled to return to the Philippines from Hong Kong on Monday. "Isa yan nakakalungkot na pangyayari... 'di pa nga sinampahan ng kaso sa korte at walang resolution ang kaso sa kanila. Ang watch list para sa mga di kilala na tao para maalerto ang immigration authorities sa port of entry at departure. Sa ginawa ng gobyerno na paglagay sa watch list ay ipinapahiya ang pamilyang Arroyo," Lambino said. — LBG, GMA News

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