MANILA, Philippines - Former President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo is planning to leave the country immediately to seek medical treatment overseas as soon as the Department of Justice (DOJ) allows her.
Arroyo's spokesperson Elena Bautista-Horn confirmed to media that Arroyo has been granted clearance to travel by her doctors. She said the former President has already submitted the requirements for an allow departure order. "Yes, we're waiting for DOJ na lang," she said.
The travel authority granted by the office of Speaker Sonny Belmonte allows Arroyo to travel from October to December to Singapore, the United States, Spain, Germany and Italy. She is expected to travel with her husband and 2 aides.
Arroyo's camp has maintained she will not use her failing health to escape the cases filed against her for allegations of electoral sabotage and corruption.
Arroyo had 3 surgeries in August to address a pinched nerve in her cervical spine. Doctors later discovered the former President is suffering from hypoparathyroidism, which led to bone mineral deficiency that complicated her recovery from the surgeries.
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