Arroyo 'not feeling well,' cancels visit to parents' grave

MANILA -- Detained former President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo cancelled her planned visit to the Libigan ng mga Bayani Thursday despite the court's earlier decision to grant her request.

Lawyer Anacleto Diaz, Arroyo's lawyer, said the former President was advised not to leave the Veterans Memorial Medical Center (VMMC) where she is currently under hospital arrest for a plunder suit in connection with the alleged misuse of Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO) funds.

"Sorry but the former President will no longer push through with the planned and approved visit to her parents at the Libingan ng mga Bayani on November 1. She thanks the Sandiganbayan for approving her request but she is not feeling well and has been advised to avoid the further stress to going and from the cemetery," Diaz said in a text message.

"She is presently resting, please join us in praying for her speedy recovery," the lawyer added.

Arroyo's parents, former President Diosdado Macapagal and Dr. Evangelina Macapagal, are both buried at the Libingan ng mga Bayani in Taguig City.

Thursday, November 1, is also the 97th birthday of Arroyo's mother.

On Wednesday, the Sandiganbayan First Division gave Arroyo, now a Pampanga representative, a six-hour pass to visit her parents' grave in observance of the All Saints' and All Souls' break. (Kathrina Alvarez/Sunnex)