De Lima to take on Solomic decision

Department of Justice Secretary Leila de Lima is considering the request of Sen. Panfilo Lacson regarding the decision on whether former President and now Pampanga Rep. Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo can be allowed to have her medical treatment abroad.

She said that she might take a "Solomonic" decision which she will let Arroyo go abroad, however Arroyo has to answer the allegations filed against her on the alleged cheating on 2007 mid-term polls, which case handled by the DOJ and Commission on Elections.

De Lima said, "That's one of at least three options I am considering," however she did not said that the two other choices.

She said, "We are balancing those contrasting interests - the individual rights as against the higher interest of the country."

The Justice Secretary was very careful in deciding the said issue so that she can guarantee the the criminal proceedings on Arroyo.

De Lima said, "There's always that possibility (that she would not return). There is that risk. Can we afford that all of these proceedings are suspended because of her absence? Remember, you can't have a trial in absentia if the accused would not be arraigned should probable cause be established in the PI (preliminary investigation)."

She added, "It's not political, it's really the criminal justice system. It's a matter of justice and accountability." — ARA