DOJ receives copy of TRO on Arroyo travel ban

MANILA, Philippines–The Department of Justice (DOJ) has officially received a copy of the temporary restraining order (TRO) from the Supreme Court which enjoined the government from enforcing the travel ban that Justice Secretary Leila de Lima issued against former President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo and her husband, Jose Miguel “Mike” Arroyo.

Benjamin Añonuevo, a process server from the Clerk of Court, said he initially tried to serve the copy of the high tribunal’s order at the DOJ docket section at around 8 a.m. Wednesday but was told to proceed to the Office of the Prosecutor General.

Since the office of Prosecutor General Claro Arellano was still closed, Añonuevo said he decided to head to the Office of the Secretary.

He said a staff member of De Lima’s office officially received a copy of the TRO at exactly 8:20 a.m.

Jose Midas Marquez, the Supreme Court administrator and spokesperson, said he instructed the court personnel to immediately serve a copy of the TRO to the DOJ after De Lima claimed that the court’s decision to allow the Arroyo couple would not take effect until her office received an official copy of the order.