The
showdown between Philippine President Benigno Aquino and his predecessor took
another dramatic turn yesterday when Mrs Gloria Arroyo pushed back plans to
leave the country for Singapore for medical treatment, saying her blood
pressure had spiked because of the confrontation.
The former president - who is under
investigation for alleged election fraud and corruption - had hoped to fly to
Singapore last night in a second attempt to leave after the Supreme Court on
Tuesday overturned a government imposed travel ban. But an aide said this was
cancelled because of her condition.
Mrs Arroyo will attempt to make the trip
today, said her spokesman Elena Bautista Horn.
The 64-year-old wants to seek medical
treatment abroad for a bone disorder.
On Tuesday night, Mrs Arroyo, who was on a
wheelchair and wearing a neck brace, was prevented from boarding her flight at
Manila's international airport.
The Aquino government insisted that she must
remain in the country while she is being investigated for alleged vote-rigging
and corruption. It also considered her to be a flight risk.
Justice Secretary Leila de Lima said the
overseas travel ban imposed last week was still in force, pending the
government's appeal against the Supreme Court's decision. This is scheduled to
be heard tomorrow.
But Supreme Court spokesman Midas Marquez said
Tuesday's ruling was "effective immediately".
"There is no need for interpretation,
only application," he said in a television interview.
Mrs Arroyo had petitioned the Supreme Court to
issue a temporary restraining order against her overseas travel ban, claiming
it violated her constitutional rights.
Her husband Jose Miguel Arroyo said: "How
can they refuse a Supreme Court order?" The family's lawyer called the
situation "a bloody mess".
Analysts view the stand-off as a test of
strength between the executive and the judiciary, both co-equal branches of
government under the Philippine Constitution.
"It isn't a constitutional crisis,"
said Mr Ramon Casiple, executive director of the Institute for Political and
Economic Reform, a think-tank. "But there could be political implications
if the legislature becomes involved."
Meanwhile, the Arroyo camp plans to file
contempt charges against Ms de Lima and the immigration officials who prevented
her departure on Tuesday night.
Mrs Arroyo's unpopular presidency had been
plagued by corruption and political scandals.
Mr Aquino, who won last year's presidential
election on an anti-graft platform, has vowed to have allegations against his
predecessor investigated.
Prosecutors are investigating allegations of
vote-rigging during the 2004 presidential election. Several graft-related
complaints have also been filed against Mrs Arroyo.
Senior administration officials have voiced
fears that Mrs Arroyo and her husband, who is also being investigated for
alleged corruption, may not return if they are allowed to travel abroad.
Earlier this month, the Dominican Republic's
ambassador to the Philippines had to publicly deny rumours that the couple were
seeking political asylum in the Caribbean nation.
Mr Aquino has said that he expects Mrs Arroyo
will be charged with corruption and electoral fraud before the end of the year.
There is no doubt that Mrs Arroyo has severe
health problems.
Earlier this year, she underwent surgery to
correct a spinal disorder with titanium implants. It was unsuccessful,
infection set in and more surgery followed. Her doctors have also diagnosed a
bone mineral disorder and hyperthyroidism.
But a review of her medical condition by
government doctors found that it was not life-threatening, and treatment was
available in the Philippines.
"We will not allow her to leave unless
there is a medical emergency. That is clear," Ms de Lima said yesterday.
Alastair McIndoe
The Straits Times
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