Aquino backs DOJ chief’s decision on Arroyo travel request

MANILA, Philippines—President Benigno Aquino on Wednesday expressed his agreement with the decision of Justice Secretary Leila De Lima to deny former president Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo’s request to go abroad supposedly for medical treatment.

“We need her here for her arraignment if this will be needed,” Aquino said in a news briefing for him to personally address the issue in Malacañang.

Arroyo is the subject of a complaint for electoral sabotage–a non-bailable offense–before the Department of Justice.

“If she won’t return, how can she be made answerable?” Aquino said.