Arroyo still in hospital but in stable condition

Former President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo AP PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines—Former President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo was in stable condition Saturday, two days after she was rushed to the Veterans Memorial Medical Center on Thursday night for neck and lower back pains.

VMMC director Dr. Nona Legaspi said the Pampanga congresswoman was still on intravenous medication and she could not says as yet how long Arroyo will be confined at the government hospital.

Arroyo was taken to the Quezon City hospital after complaining of pain in neck and lower back triggered by a vomiting spell after she chocked on a piece of food while having dinner Thursday night.

The former President was released from detention at the hospital the previous week after she posted bail pending trial on a charge of election sabotage.

Legaspi said she has advised the former president not to engage in strenuous activities  in light of the fragility of her spine in the cervical and lumbar areas.