Palace to let DOJ decide on Gloria Arroyo medical treatment abroad

Malacañang is leaving to the Department of Justice (DOJ) the decision on whether to allow former President and now Pampanga Rep. Gloria Arroyo to seek medical treatment abroad – should her doctors recommend it. But deputy presidential spokesperson Abigail Valte on Sunday pointed out there has been no such medical bulletin from Arroyo’s doctors so far. “This is the first time we heard of this development through her spokesperson. Wala pang nai-issue na medical bulletin ang doctors ni dating Pangulong Arroyo to this effect," Valte said on government-run dzRB radio. Should Arroyo's doctors recommend that the former president be send abroad for medical treatment, Valte said: "We will defer to the judgment of Sec. Leila de Lima on this matter because syempre may issue sa watch list that needs to be tackled." According to Valte, Mrs. Arroyo is in the watch-list of the Bureau of Immigration, which is under the supervision of the DOJ. Over the weekend, Arroyo’s spokesperson Raul Lambino was quoted as saying Arroyo may need medical treatment abroad. Arroyo was first brought to the St. Luke’s Medical Center (SLMC) in Taguig City last July 25 for a pinched nerve in her spine. She underwent surgery to correct it last July 29. But because the implant around her spine developed an infection after her first operation, she was brought back to the hospital for another surgery last Wednesday to correct the condition. However, the doctors attending her said the surgery was "not successful." Arroyo is still in the intensive care unit at the SLMC. Asked if Arroyo should be allowed to go abroad for treatment upon doctors' recommendation, Valte said: “That question should be answered by De Lima." But when asked what the Palace’s move will be if De Lima favors Arroyo seeking medical treatment abroad, Valte reiterated, “at that point we’ll let Sec. De Lima handle it." However, Valte said the Palace will “continue to wish the former president well." “When it comes to health, kung sino ang maysakit (a person who is unwell), she has the freedom depending on her means to get the best medical treatment that is possible and very subjective 'yan (that is very subjective)," she added. — LBG, GMA News