DoJ places Arroyo on watchlist

The Department of Justice has ordered Former President and now Pampanga Rep. Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo to be placed under the watch list of the Bureau of Immigration due to the charges filed against her on the alleged 2004 and 2007 election fraud.

"One consideration is the possible flight risk of the subject," said Justice Secretary Leila De Lima.

The order was made to guarantee that Arroyo go through the hearing of plunder charges filed against her. Danilo Lihay-lihay and former solicitor general Francisco Chavez has filed charges in connection with the the fertilizer fund scam and the Overseas Workers' Welfare fiasco.

De Lima also said that she waited for the recovery of Arroyo from her surgery before she filed the watchlist order which is effective for 60 days.

Former first gentleman Jose Miguel Arroyo was also placed under the BI watchlist due to rumors that the couple has plans of fleeing to Portugal to evade the charges filed against them.

However, Isabela Rep. Giorgidi Aggabao stated that the Arroyos have no chance of having political opportunities outside of the country due to the criminal charges filed against them.

Arroyo will be facing charges of plunder, qualified theft, graft and corruption, and violations of the Revised Penal Code as well as the Omnibus Election Code for purportedly using PhP550 million in OWWA funds to boost her presidential bid in 2004. — ARA