Arroyo reluctant to leave, says brother-in-law

Former President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo FILE PHOTO

It is inevitable that former President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo would seek medical treatment abroad but she is reluctant to leave the country, said her brother-in-law, Negros Occidental Representative Ignacio “Iggy” Arroyo.

The former President, now a Pampanga representative, has lost considerable weight since being released from the hospital a month ago after undergoing a series of surgeries for her spine, the congressman said Monday.

“I don’t want to demean the medical doctors here. She has had three operations already and if this was in the United States, she could have gotten a second opinion,” said the congressman.

“If I was the husband, I would suggest she goes abroad. But she doesn’t want to because if she leaves again, they’ll say she is trying to escape,” Arroyo said.

His brother, Jose Miguel “Mike” Arroyo, arrived last week from Germany with news that he had found a specialist in stem cell technology, but he did not say whether his wife would be treated in the Philippines or abroad.

“As far as I have been told, he has found three doctors with stem cell knowledge,” said Iggy, who himself has to fly back to London for treatment of a liver ailment.

He said that the former President was recuperating at her residence at La Vista subdivision in Quezon City.

“Last time I saw her, she was very thin.  But she’s OK. Her mind is very alert. She’s walking (on her own) but she does have a brace on her neck and head,” Iggy said.

Inocencio Ferrer Jr., a lawyer for Mike Arroyo, said the Arroyos would seek the Supreme Court’s intervention if they believe they are not getting a fair shake for the investigative bodies handling the cases filed against them.

“We are currently weighing our options. We are seriously considering bringing these cases, especially if we feel the rights of our client are not respected,” said Ferrer in a phone interview.

Ferrer said the “ill treatment” of the Arroyos had come in the form of trial by publicity and unsavory remarks made by prosecutors and Malacañang spokespersons.

The former President is facing six plunder cases while her husband is facing corruption charges for allegedly selling second-hand helicopters, as brand new to the Philippine National Police.

The couple are also accused of masterminding the cheating in the 2004 presidential and 2007 senatorial elections.

Their eldest son, Ang Galing Pinoy Representative Juan Miguel Arroyo, has been charged along with his wife with tax evasion.

Ferrer said the former President would not seek asylum abroad due to the political persecution.