De Lima defers decision on Arroyo’s foreign trip

MANILA, Philippines—Justice Secretary Leila de Lima has deferred her decision on former President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo’s request for permission to travel outside the country for medical treatment.

Speaking at a news briefing on Thursday, De Lima said Health Secretary Enrique Ona told her that Arroyo was “recuperating well” when he visited the former President last week.

“It would appear from all indications…. that (her) condition is improving. Therefore, there seems to be no immediate necessity at this point for us to grant the request of the former President,” De Lima told reporters.

“It would appear that there seems to be no immediate or extreme necessity for her to leave the country at this point,” she added.

The justice secretary also raised questions about  changes in the list of countries where Arroyo intends to visit, noting that those countries have no extradition treaties with the Philippines.

She said she would render her decision on Arroyo’s foreign travel after she return from an international conference in Cambodia on Monday.

“I’d rather be criticized for some delay in my actions than be criticized because I made the wrong decision,” De Lima said.