The Philippine government
has defied a Supreme Court ruling that allowed former President Gloria
Arroyo to travel abroad for medical treatment. Former President Arroyo, who is suffering from a bone disease, was prevented from boarding a plane at Manila airport.
Earlier in the day, the Supreme Court ruled that a travel ban imposed by the government was unconstitutional. Arroyo is currently facing corruption claims, and the government fears that if she leaves the country she will never return.
A government spokesman said the Arroyos would be
treated with dignity but "we will be firm in our decision not to allow
them to leave the country This is all high drama. They want the public to sympathise
with them," he was quoted as saying. Arroyo's lawyer Raul Lambino accused the government of inflicting "inhumane, cruel punishment" on his client.
The majority of the Supreme Court judges were hired during Mrs Arroyo's term,
and it is not the first time the court has overruled the current
president. Last year the current administration tried to set up a Truth Commission to
investigate Mrs Arroyo's administration, but the court ruled that such a
panel would be unconstitutional.
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