Former President and now Congresswoman Gloria Macapagal Arroyo was now reported to have left the Veterans Memorial Medical Center (VMMC). She passed by the chapel to pray for awhile, but now her convoy has left VMMC via the Mindanao Avenue exit. Police took control of the situation (protesters were also at the North Avenue gate) after being blocked by protesters at the Mindanao Avenue exit, and is now ready to proceed to her house in La Vista Quezon City.
Outside the VMMC, ralliers anxiously awaited for her departure. The ralliers, who called themselves volunteers for former President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, started from a group of 30 which grew to an approximate 200 by 2 pm, they were seen converging earlier noon at gate 1 of the VMMC bearing placards that speak of their love for the jailed leader.
Their number continued to increase as news about Arroyo’s bail spread, more than the number of anti-Arroyo militants who were already at VMMC since mid-morning. The militant groups are composed of Gabriela, Bayan Muna, Bagong Alyansang Makabayan, Pamalakaya, among others.
The pro-Arroyo “volunteers” said they’re from a community near Sto. Domingo Church in Quezon City and that nobody paid them to show support for Arroyo.
About 50 riot policemen are now guarding the gate of VMMC while more than 10 traffic enforcers from the Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA) are manning the flow of vehicles at the intersection along North Avenue.
Representatives at VMMC says Arroyo will still be coming back to the hospital for her daily check-up. Atty. Raul lambino say Arroyo will seek alternative medical treatment in tagaytay tomorrow.
Meanwhile, the COMELEC has assured that there is already a Hold Departure Order issued by the Sandiganbayan against Arroyo so she will not be allowed to leave the country.
Arroyo’s heavily tinted white coaster and convoy was temporarily stuck in traffic along Tandang Sora on its way to La Vista Subdivision in Quezon City. At La Vista, a waiting crowd that introduced themselves as supporters of Arroyo gathered in front of the subdivision. When Arroyo’s convoy arrived the supporters started cheering and shouting “Gloria! Gloria! Gloria!”. Rep. Gloria Arroyo was seen opening the windows of the coaster and waved to her supporters.
Arroyo’s spokesperson Elena Bautista-Horn says “Nagpapasalamat kami. Nananaig pa rin ang katarungan.”
Risa Hontiveros tweets “Supporters r chanting, Gloria, Gloria! Hmmm, is that d name of d next typhoon? Hehe. Never mind, we have better disaster preparedness now.”
Harvey Keh tweets “Ironic that Pres. Arroyo was released on bail on the same wk that #CJsearch is currently on going. We rly need to reform our justice system!”
Albert C. Lim tweets “GMA must proceed immediately to the House and attend today’s session.”
Luz Ilagan tweets ” GMA’s release is the Kontra-SONA that says it all. Pres. Aquino never did muster enough resolve to indict Arroyo and her minions.”
Len Bautista-Horn, chief of staff of Arroyo says she is now resting. She may talk to media later on, but as of now no statement has been prepared. “We humbly seek your understanding…to allow Arroyo to enjoy some precious moments with her family” says Horn.
Arroyo camp plans to bring her to an alternative healing center somewhere in Tagaytay today, and her doctors says she will also be coming on a daily basis at VMMC for check-ups.
