De Lima reaches decision on Arroyo travel

MANILA, Philippines—Justice Secretary Leila de Lima has arrived at a decision on former president Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo’s request to seek medical treatment abroad.

In an ambush interview Tuesday morning, De Lima said she would first inform President Benigno Aquino of her verdict on Arroyo’s planned travel to several countries before announcing her decision to the media within the day.

“The issue has been finalized but I will first clear the decision with him (Mr. Aquino),” De Lima told reporters.

Asked why she had to confer her decision to the President: “I’m his alter ego and this is not a simple matter. This is a matter of high national interest and significance. I have to inform him as a matter of courtesy and as a matter of duty.”