GMA cuts short self-quarantine

MANILA, Philippines - President Arroyo checked out yesterday from the Asian Hospital in Muntinlupa City after two days of self-quarantine as a precautionary measure against the spread of the A(H1N1) flu virus.

The President went on self-quarantine last Tuesday after arriving from a 12-day trip to Japan, Colombia, Brazil, and Hong Kong Monday night.

Press Secretary Cerge Remonde said Mrs. Arroyo checked out of the hospital at 2 p.m. after doctors gave her a clean bill of health.

“She underwent certain check-ups while on quarantine and all the results were okay,” Remonde said. “She has returned to Malacañang.”

He said Mrs. Arroyo called him up to relay the news after she left the hospital.

He said Mrs. Arroyo will continue her rest at the Palace for a few more days by minimizing her appointments and public engagements, but would do her paperwork in her office.

“I think she’s just eager to work more in the Palace than in the hospital,” Remonde said.

Executive Secretary Eduardo Ermita said Mrs. Arroyo did some work while on self-imposed isolation at the Asian Hospital and conferred with her Cabinet by telephone.