Allies to file resolution for GMA treatment abroad

MANILA, Philippines - Opposition congressmen are set to file a resolution today expressing the sense of the House of Representatives that former President and now Pampanga Rep. Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo be allowed to seek treatment abroad.         

Minority Leader Danilo Suarez said that if the House passes the resolution, it would carry a lot of weight when Arroyo applies for a travel permit from the courts before which she is facing criminal charges.

Suarez said the courts are expected to allow the former president to seek treatment abroad for her ailment provided government prosecutors do not object.

Arroyo is the titular head of the House opposition bloc.

She is facing criminal charges before a Pasay City court and the Sandiganbayan.

The Pasay court has freed her on bail.           

Suarez said if Arroyo asks the courts to allow her to seek treatment abroad, President Aquino should order government prosecutors not to oppose her request for humanitarian reasons.

Malacañang spokesmen have said the President is leaving his predecessor’s case to the courts.

 “We in the minority will sign it, and I will ask members of the majority to sign it as well. Speaker (Feliciano) Belmonte Jr. has promised me that he would calendar it provided that we have the findings of GMA’s doctors,” Suarez said.         

He said he would attach a report of Arroyo’s cardiologist Roberto Anastacio to his resolution.