Gloria Arroyo’s case high risk, not life threatening, says spokesman

Elena Bautista-Horn, spokesperson of Pampanga Representative Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, told reporters her boss has gone to Tagaytay City to seek treatment in an alternative medicine clinic. KAREN BONCOCAN/INQUIRER.net

MANILA, Philippines–Former President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo’s medical condition is “high risk” but not life threatening, her spokesperson Elena Bautista-Horn said on Thursday.

Arroyo has gone to an alternative medicine clinic in Tagaytay to seek treatments which could ease her discomfort that has not been resolved after three surgeries.

“Balita ko andun na siya and she’s being attended to sa alternative medicine clinic na pinuntahan niya (From what I heard, she’s already there in an alternative medicine clinic),” said Horn, pointing out that it was the former President’s sister Cielo who convinced her to check the clinic in Tagaytay.

She said that Arroyo has lost more than 20 pounds and was having difficulties in eating. “Less than 90 pounds na lang siya. Hirap lang talaga siya kumain.”

Even so, she said that the lawmaker was “not desperate. She’s left with no choice at this point with the legal limitations. She’s not dying or gasping for air but she can choke anytime and her breathing can get affected.”

Arroyo is attended by a private nurse and will continue her physical therapy sessions at the Veterans Memorial Medical Center.

Despite the cases against Arroyo and her poor health, her spokesperson maintained that “she’s a very strong willed person, it’s (strong will) still there but she also gets strength from prayers. She goes to church everyday.”

Horn said that when the plunder case was filed, Arroyo said “maybe we aren’t praying enough, we should pray more.”

Asked if Arroyo prayed more after cases were filed against her, the spokesperson said that “she has more time to pray now. (But she has always been) very, very prayerful.”

She said that the Pampanga lawmaker wanted to visit the House of Representatives upon being freed on Wednesday but was urged to go straight home and get ample time of rest.

Horn said it was unclear when the Pampanga lawmaker will resume her work at the House of Representatives.

Arroyo is entertaining the idea of being treated through alternative medicine since she was limited by the hold departure order by Sandigan from seeking medical attention abroad, said Horn.