Allies seek prayers for recovery of ex-Pres. Arroyo

Allies of Pampanga Rep. Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo are appealing to Filipinos for prayers as the former Philippine leader faces a third surgery to correct a condition in her spine. Lawyer Raul Lambino and Candaba (Pampanga) Mayor Jerry Pelayo said Mrs. Arroyo needs prayers especially at this time, radio dzBB's Rodil Vega reported Thursday. Doctors were not successful Wednesday in correcting the condition in Mrs. Arroyo's neck. The former state leader's first operation had developed an infection.

The same dzBB report said Mrs. Arroyo was still not allowed to receive visitors, following her transfer from the recovery room to the coronary care unit of the St. Luke's Medical Center in Taguig City. It report quoted Mrs. Arroyo's physician Juliet Cervantes as saying that Mrs. Arroyo had developed an infection and will continue to take antibiotics. Cervantes said Mrs. Arroyo's condition was otherwise stable, although the Pampanga lawmaker will have to continue wearing a neck brace. — RSJ, GMA News