Arroyos ignored lawyers in attempt to leave PH–spokesman

MANILA, Philippines—Former president Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo and her husband Jose Miguel Arroyo ignored the advice of their lawyers when they attempted to leave the country Tuesday afternoon, a spokesman said Friday.

“We advised them not to go because they could suffer indignation. But they were adamant to exercise their right to travel because it would not set a good precedent for everyone if we sleep on our rights,” said lawyer Raul Lambino in a phone interview.

The Arroyos had hoped that the temporary restraining order issued by the Supreme Court earlier Tuesday was enough for them to board their flight to Singapore last Tuesday. They had made several bookings with Singapore Airlines, Philippine Airlines and Dragon Air.

Lambino said that the couple wanted to prove to the public that the Aquino administration was determined to block their right to travel even if it meant defying the Supreme Court.

“They were never concerned about showing the fragile health of the former President because they wanted to pass through the tarmac to prevent a commotion at the Naia [Ninoy Aquino International Airport] Terminal 1,” said Lambino.