Palace unmoved by Enrile stand to allow bail for Arroyo
Malacañang remained unmoved yesterday by Senate President Juan Ponce Enrile’s stand to allow former President and now Pampanga Rep. Gloria Arroyo to post bail so she can seek treatment abroad.
Deputy presidential spokesperson Abigail Valte insisted there is no medical opinion yet that indicates Arroyo cannot be treated in the Philippines.
“In the first instance of November 2011, nag- improve ang condition despite sa mga sinasabi ng mga kaalyado niya na she needs treatment abroad,” Valte said on government-run dzRB radio.
“That is a testament to the fact she can be treated here because her condition improved,” she added.
Earlier, Enrile was quoted as joining calls for the immediate release of Arroyo and warned the government may find itself liable if something happens to her.
He cited Arroyo’s stature as a lawmaker and former President, her medical condition, and the weak evidence presented against her so far.
Arroyo is now under hospital arrest at the Veterans Memorial Medical Center (VMMC) in Quezon City.
She was placed under arrest on Nov. 18 last year, after Pasay Judge Jesus Mupas ordered her arrest on charges of electoral sabotage. She was transferred to the VMMC from the St. Luke’s Medical Center in Taguig City last December. (GMA