Pampanga Rep. Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo on Wednesday slammed former justice secretary and now Sen. Leila de Lima for issuing “a patently invalid order” that prevented her and her husband, Mike Arroyo, from leaving the county in 2011.
In a statement coursed through her lawyer, Laurence Arroyo, the former President said it was clear from the beginning that De Lima’s actions emanated from an administration that was “irrationally hostile” toward her.
In a ruling made public on Tuesday, the Supreme Court declared unconstitutional Department of Justice (DOJ) Circular 41, and voided the justice secretary’s authority to issue hold departure orders “for being violative of the right to travel.”
Justice Secretary Menardo Guevarra on Wednesday said he would abide by the high court’s ruling and would confer with Solicitor General Jose Calida and immigration officials to discuss its effects.
De Lima blocked Arroyo’s travel to seek medical treatment abroad by invoking the DOJ circular, which was issued in 2010 by then acting Justice Secretary Alberto Agra. — DJ YAP AND MARLON RAMOS