Pampanga town mayor shocked upon seeing Gloria Arroyo

MANILA, Philippines—Former president and now Pampanga representative Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo’ s body was very weak, Candaba Mayor Jerry Pelayo said Thursday in an interview with Radyo Inquirer 990AM. Candaba is a town in Pampanga famous for its swamplands visited by migratory birds.

Former President and now Pampanga Rep. Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo waves to her supporters outside the gate of La Vista subdivision in Quezon City, where she lives. JOAN BONDOC

“I was shocked when I saw her appearance,” said Pelayo, who visited Arroyo in the Veterans Memorial Medical Center (VMMC) after news that she was granted bail by Judge Jesus Mupas of the Pasay Regional Trial Court.

Pelayo described Arroyo physical condition as “pitiful” and said that her muscles were sagging.

Arroyo’s weight was less than 100 lbs, Pelayo said, relaying information given to him by Arroyo’ daughter, Luli Arroyo.

Pelayo said that Arroyo was only able to eat soup and not solid foods because of her weakened condition. Pelayo was with Arroyo inside the coaster that took her out of the VMMC.

He added that Arroyo already wanted to go back to work in the House of Representatives and to go to her home province of Pampanga, but he discouraged her saying she needs to regain her strength.

Arroyo had been suffering from hypoparathyroid and bone diseases which was affecting her neck.