No major change in Arroyo condition, doctors say

(Updated 11:35 a.m.) There is no major change in the medical condition of former President and incumbent Pampanga Rep. Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo during the weekend, her doctors said Monday. A report by radio dzBB's Manny Vargas said the doctors continued to keep watch over the infection that has prevented them from operating on Mrs. Arroyo's spine. It quoted St. Luke's Medical Center spokesperson Marilen Lagniton as saying that the former Philippine leader is still getting medication for the infection. A report by Julius Segovia on GMA News TV's "News to Go" said Mrs. Arroyo is still in the hospital's ICU but a political ally, Candaba, Pampanga Mayor Jerry Pelayo, was quoted as saying that her condition has improved. [View the full report below.] Lagniton also assured the media they will remain "straightforward" with them on Mrs. Arroyo's condition, the dzBB report said. On the other hand, the former First Family continued to keep watch over Mrs. Arroyo, the report said. Speculations of Mrs. Arroyo's health making a turn for the worse cropped up last weekend following reports quoting her spokesperson Raul Lambino as saying that the Pampanga lawmaker's doctors recommended that she get medical treatment abroad. Lambino has denied making the claim. Mrs. Arroyo was brought to the SLMC in Taguig City last July 25 for a pinched nerve in her spine. She has since undergone surgery twice to correct the condition. — RSJ, GMA News