Aquino has last say on Arroyo's request

Malacañang clarified that President Benigno Aquino III would have the last say regarding the request of former President and now Pampanga Rep. Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo to undergo medical treatment abroad.

Presidential spokesperson Edwin Lacierda said, "Whether it is acceptable to us or not, eventually we will have to wait for the final decision (of Secretary De Lima)."

Lacierda, however, said that the president will have to take into consideration Secretary de Lima's recommendation.

He said, "Let's just wait and I'm sure during the press con of Secretary De Lima, that question can be asked if the President had reservations or did the President approve in full the recommendation of Secretary De Lima."

Lacierda said, "Let's just wait for that after they (Aquino and De Lima) meet and during the press con of Secretary De Lima. As of now, we don't want to make any comments as to the options on what Secretary De Lima has been saying."

He added, "The President has made it clear that he has given the Secretary of Justice the authority to review the entire process. So I think if they will be discussing it, they will be discussing on the basis of how she came up with a decision." — ARA