Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo taken to hospital for hypertension

Former President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo was rushed at 5 p.m. on Monday to St. Luke’s Medical Center at the Global City in Taguig City due to hypertension.

But her brother-in-law, Negros Occidental Rep Ignacio “Iggy” Arroyo, however told the Inquirer that “it was nothing serious” and she was brought there more as a precaution.

Iggy said his brother, former First Gentleman Jose Miguel Arroyo, had been informed of his wife’s condition and was reported to be on his way to the hospital.

Former President Arroyo went straight to Porac, Pampanga province, after a long meeting earlier with members of the minority to meet with local officials in her district. She snubbed President Aquino’s State of the Nation Address.

A provincemate who accompanied the former President in her visit to Porac said he did not see Arroyo showing any sign of discomfort or pain before she left at about 5 p.m.

Sticky Blanco, secretary of the Pampanga Mayors’ League, said Arroyo arrived at 2:30 p.m. and went on with her schedule, visiting schools and inspecting her projects in the town.

He said the visit, originally scheduled for an hour, was extended up to 5 p.m.

Reports said Arroyo felt ill while she was on her way to Metro Manila.

Pichay visits

Marilen Lagniton, the hospital’s vice president for corporate affairs, confirmed that the former President was brought to St. Luke’s Monday afternoon but did not say why she needed immediate medical attention.

“As of now, doctors are still finding out what is bothering her,’’ Lagniton said on the phone.

Arroyo was under the care of her personal physician, Dr. Juliet Gopez-Cervantes, according to Lagniton, who added that doctors would have a clearer assessment of the patient’s condition by Tuesday morning.

Arroyo’s son, Ang Galing Pinoy Rep. Juan Miguel “Mikey’’ Arroyo, was seen arriving at the hospital at about 8:30 p.m.

Former Local Waters Utilities Administration Chair Prospero Pichay, an Arroyo ally, also arrived at St. Luke’s around 7 p.m. With reports from Tonette Orejas, Inquirer Central Luzon, and Miko Morelos in Manila