Manila: President Benigno Aquino supported the decision of the justice department not to allow former president Gloria Arroyo, now a congresswoman, to travel abroad for medical treatment, adding the government could bring in experts to treat her bone ailment and she would remain in the country in case she is charged with alleged graft and election fraud.
"How do we balance the interests [of the former president and the present administration]? We can bring in specialists to look at her situation. We can even carry the financial aspect of it," said Aquino.
"The implication is too big in case she does not come back. In case she decides not to, who will be answerable to all the cases? We also need justice," said Aquino.
Six countries
The complaint filed against her at the justice department for electoral sabotage has to be resolved since another election is coming, Aquino said.
After she submits a counter-affidavit to the complaints, the justice department has to decide if the cases have to be filed against her at the Sandiganbayan, the anti-graft court.
"If she decides not to return, how can we make her return?," asked Aquino. He referred to a law in the Philippines which prevents trial of people who are not in the country.
At the same time, Aquino complained that Arroyo told the House of Representatives she was going to six countries.
But in her request for departure order at the justice department, Arroyo listed only three countries she was planning to go to, said Aquino.
