Bring in Gloria’s doctors

The Aquino administration faces a  difficult dilemma  on whether or not to allow  former president Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo to seek medical attention  abroad. The Department of Justice has issued a watch list order against Arroyo and husband Miguel who both face  charges for massive poll fraud in the 2004 and 2007 elections.

If they are allowed to travel abroad, the administration fears  the couple may not come back.  On the other hand, the  Department of Justice has not yet filed any charge in court against the two.

Those who oppose the administration’s decision  not to allow the former president to travel abroad say this violates her  Constitutional right to travel.

Others point out  that Marcos allowed the President’s own father the late Ninoy Aquino, who had a serious heart condition, to seek medical treatment in the United States.

But the situation now is different. In the late 1960s  Marcos was a  dictator and the charges filed against Ninoy Aquino were all  fabricated.

In the case of Gloria Arroyo, the charges poised against her  are serious ones involving  poll fraud in the 2004 presidential election and the 2007 national election, which took place in  the presence of democratic space.

P-Noy’s administration has offered to cover  the expenses of flying in Arroyo’s  doctor of choice, an offer rejected by the Arroyo camp who said it was the right of the former president to decide which doctor should treat her and where.

Others who  criticize the government see the offer as an unwanted government expense.

I say that  GMA, as former president, deserves this offer of the Aquino administration.  I understand  why the goverment is  not in favor of allowing the former president to travel abroad to seek medical treatment considering the many countries she  listed in her itinerary   has cast doubt  on the real purpose of the travel.

The Aquino administration would like to put definite closure on  charges of poll fraud against the former president. What other  way to do so but to face the charges in Philippine courts.

And by the way the former president can benefit from medical treatment of her illness from doctors in our country.  Why is she only asking now to travel abroad when charges of poll fraud against her have surfaced?

I believe Arroyo should be made accountable to the people for all her acts and misdeeds. That is her obligation to the Filipino people.  And  Filipinos  should be vigilant about their rights in this matter.

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I am happy that Cebu City Mayor Mike Rama plans to  improve and beautify  Fuente Osmeña by making this Cebu landmark  more accessible for people to stroll and visit.

But  like many others, I would like to see details of  a master plan for the project. I know others are objecting to it because they fear the park would be destroyed or diminished.

Please take note that the mayor is planning to improve  the park. The planned ban of jeepneys and taxis in the area should be studied carefully since this would  affect commuters.

When all  the ongoing beautification efforts of Osmeña Boulevard are done, I can expect people to have the time of their life walking down the  boulevard and enjoying the Fuente Osmeña in peace.

The plan to remove the  fence around the Fuente Osmena circle is correct. This would make the park more open to pedestrians but the mayor  should install security measures. The park may turn out to be a place for  out-of-town transients to dwell and for  bad elements to victimize people enjoying the park.