Arroyo can’t leave just yet—Palace

MANILA, Philippines—Malacañang will ask the Supreme Court to lift its temporary restraining order on the watch-list issued by the Department of Justice preventing former president Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo from seeking treatment abroad for her bone ailment, according to presidential spokesman Edwin Lacierda.

Bu Lacierda said on Tuesday Arroyo could not just pack her bags and leave immediately.

“As far as the government is concerned, until we receive an official copy of the Supreme Court inter loquitor order, we cannot allow any exit.. We will have to wait for the official order before the OSG files its motion for reconsideration,” Lacierda told reporters.

Lacierda also said that the Palace earlier discussed options on what it would do in the event the high court made a decision allowing Arroyo’s travel request.

Presidential political adviser Ronald Llamas said the high court should have allowed the OSG request to hear oral arguments first before issuing the TRO on the watch-list order.

“It casts a lot of doubts and suspicions on their decision,” Llamas said in a text message.