Gov’t won’t allow Arroyos to leave Philippines yet says De Lima

NOT SO FAST. Pampanga Representative Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo is all set to leave the country but in her way is  Justice Secretary Leila de Lima who says the government won't allow it just yet. AFP/Philippine Daily Inquirer File Photos

MANILA, Philippines – The government will not allow former President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo and husband Jose Miguel Arroyo from leaving the Philippines as it has not received the order by the Supreme Court granting the temporary restraining order (TRO) on its watchlist against the couple, Justice Secretary Leila de Lima said in a press conference Tuesday.

De Lima issued the statement shortly after the high tribunal issued the TRO that paved the way for the former president to travel abroad to seek medical treatment for her ailment. She was to have been accompanied by her husband.

She ordered agencies concerned to stop the Arroyos from leaving the country if they would attempt to do so.

De Lima said they discovered that the Arroyos have made bookings but which were cancelled because they did not make an appearance.

De Lima also said that they have filed an urgent motion for reconsideration before the high court.

Earlier on Tuesday, Presidential Spokesman Edwin Lacierda said the government would ask the Supreme Court to lift its TRO on the watch-list issued by the Department of Justice.

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 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.