Bacani sees nothing wrong with ex-President Arroyo being put on watch list

TANAUAN, Leyte, Philippines—Bishop Emeritus Teodoro Bacani of Novaliches on Monday said he saw nothing wrong with former President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo being placed under an immigration watch list.

“There’s nothing wrong with placing (Arroyo) under a watch list because she is facing cases, such as plunder (charges),” said Bacani, who officiated the Mass celebrating the 103rd of Tanauan town fiesta on Monday.

“I don’t think she (Arroyo) will escape because she has a serious medical condition,” Bacani said.

Doctors late last month put titanium implants on Arroyo’s misaligned spine but they had to operate again a few days later after the implants were dislodged. An infection, however, had prevented surgeons from making the needed correction. She remains confined at the St. Luke’s Medical Center in Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City.

Arroyo, now a Pampanga congresswoman, and her husband Miguel Arroyo were both placed by the Department of Justice on on the Bureau of Immigration’s watch list, meaning they cannot leave the country without a clearance, due to the plunder cases filed against her.

Bacani, however, said that the nation should pray for the recovery of Arroyo, who served the country for nine years.

Asked if he believed that the plunder cases filed against Arroyo have basis, Bacani said there were signs that the former President was involved in these cases.

“There are strong indications, such as the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office issue, (in which she was reportedly) using its (intelligence) funds,” Bacani said.

Bacani urged Arroyo to face the charges filed against her.