Gloria Arroyo in immigration watch list

Tuesday, August 9, 2011

MANILA (Updated 6:34 p.m.) -- The Department of Justice (DOJ) placed former President and now Pampanga Representative Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo in the immigration watch list Tuesday evening.

Arroyo's inclusion in the watch list came as three plunder cases were filed against her before the DOJ. The former President is also facing other plunder charges before the Office of the Ombudsman. The DOJ, according to reports, had said that the order will run for 60 days but can still be extended.

But Arroyo's legal counsel, Raul Lambino, said in a text message that the DOJ order is "another political stunt to cover the incompetence and dismal performance of Malacañang and to divert public attention from closely scrutinizing the more massive anomalies committed by close associates of President Aquino."

Arroyo, who recently underwent cervical spine surgery, has been staying at his residence in La Vista, Quezon City, after her doctors advised her to take a one-month rest with no engagement.


She returned to St. Luke's Medical Center in Taguig City Tuesday for her medical check-up.