Gloria Arroyo may be checked by govt doctor – Justice chief De Lima

Because of conflicting reports on the medical and health condition of former President and now Pampanga Rep. Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, the Department of Justice may have her examined by a government doctor. Arroyo's health condition is a "sensitive and ticklish" issue, Justice Secretary Leila De Lima told reporters Tuesday. "Varying ang reports, eh. We hear some of the allies or representatives of the former President saying na improved na ang condition niya. May iba namang nagsasabi na hindi," De Lima said. Asked if the Justice Department will require Arroyo to undergo medical examination by a government doctor, De Lima said, "That will be an option," and that is still waiting for any recommendation from Chief State Counsel Ricardo Paras III. Arroyo is under a watch list order until Nov. 5, because of three plunder cases filed against her. She is also the subject of a preliminary investigation for alleged electoral sabotage in the 2007 elections. A person in a watch list order must ask for government clearance before leaving the country. "[We wanted a medical abstract because] we just wanted to be guided kasi the cited reason for travel is to seek medical treatment," De Lima said. 'Sentitive issue' "Sensitive issue iyan, kasi what if hindi kami maniwala that her condition is serious enough to warrant medical treatment abroad," De Lima said. According to the Justice chief, the department already received a copy of Arroyo’s medical abstract certified by St. Luke's hospital in Taguig City where the former President underwent post-operative check-up. Arroyo's attending physicians said the former president showed remarkable improvement since undergoing several operations to remedy her pinched nerve. She underwent a series of surgeries two months ago for a pinched nerve in her neck — a condition known as "multilevel cervical spondylosis radiculopathy with kyphosis"— which doctors said could lead to paralysis if not treated immediately. The department also asked the former President for a list of the countries where she plans to seek medical treatment and if she has appointments already set in hospitals in those countries. — VS, GMA News