Government wants Arroyo's travel plans

MANILA, Philippines, Nov. 3 (UPI) -- Filipino leaders say they want to know which countries former President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo plans to visit before deciding whether to allow her to travel.

The Philippine Daily Inquirer Thursday reported Justice Secretary Leila De Lima said she has not decided whether to allow Arroyo to travel.

The former president, who faces plunder and other criminal charges, wants to have a bone-marrow biopsy done in another country, the Inquirer said.

"We need to validate the shifting information, the ever-changing information" about travel plans provided to the Department of Justice, said Abigail Valte, a deputy presidential spokesperson.

She said the government wants a "final list of the destinations" Arroyo plans to visit.

Asked at a news conference whether the government had concerns about the lack of extradition treaties with countries Arroyo would like to visit, Valte said, "This is not just the medical issue."

Valte declined comment on whether the government believed Arroyo would not return to the Philippines if she were allowed to leave

Meanwhile, Health Secretary Enrique Ona said the bone biopsy could be performed in the Philippines.

"Bone biopsy is being done every day here in the country," Ona said.