Former Philippine president Gloria Arroyo, wearing head and neck brace, asks to leave the country for medical treatment. Photo: AP Source: AP
The Australian
From: AP
November 11, 2011
Philippine President Aquino blocks travel for Gloria Arroyo
THE President of The Philippines has offered to fly in foreign doctors to treat his ailing predecessor but has refused to lift a travel ban, expressing concern that she might never return because of corruption complaints levelled against her.
President Benigno Aquino said his administration would pay for former president Gloria Macapagal Arroyo to get a bone biopsy in The Philippines. She is fighting the travel ban in the Supreme Court, saying her rights are being violated because she has not been charged with a crime.
Mr Aquino, who has long accused Mrs Arroyo's administration of corruption, said allowing her to leave the country would be an unacceptable risk.
"We also wish for the immediate recovery of Mrs Arroyo, but let me ask you: if we allow an accused with a pending non-bailable case to travel to countries without extradition treaties with The Philippines to seek medical care for an ailment that can be addressed sufficiently in our own hospitals, is justice prevailing?" Mr Aquino said."In case she chooses not to return, how can we compel her to answer the charges?"
Mrs Arroyo has had three surgeries on her cervical spine while facing complaints of electoral sabotage and plunder during her nine years in office.
The government turned down her request to leave the country for treatment on Tuesday.
The Australian
From: AP
November 11, 2011
Philippine President Aquino blocks travel for Gloria Arroyo
THE President of The Philippines has offered to fly in foreign doctors to treat his ailing predecessor but has refused to lift a travel ban, expressing concern that she might never return because of corruption complaints levelled against her.
President Benigno Aquino said his administration would pay for former president Gloria Macapagal Arroyo to get a bone biopsy in The Philippines. She is fighting the travel ban in the Supreme Court, saying her rights are being violated because she has not been charged with a crime.
Mr Aquino, who has long accused Mrs Arroyo's administration of corruption, said allowing her to leave the country would be an unacceptable risk.
"We also wish for the immediate recovery of Mrs Arroyo, but let me ask you: if we allow an accused with a pending non-bailable case to travel to countries without extradition treaties with The Philippines to seek medical care for an ailment that can be addressed sufficiently in our own hospitals, is justice prevailing?" Mr Aquino said."In case she chooses not to return, how can we compel her to answer the charges?"
Mrs Arroyo has had three surgeries on her cervical spine while facing complaints of electoral sabotage and plunder during her nine years in office.
The government turned down her request to leave the country for treatment on Tuesday.
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