DID former President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo seek political asylum from a European country?

Sources claimed that the former President and husband Jose Miguel Arroyo were granted political asylum following the filing of several plunder and other criminal complaints against the former first couple.

A well-placed source said GMA and FG have forged a deal with a European country and have been granted asylum.

San Juan City Rep. Joseph Victor “JV” Ejercito confirmed having been informed of the supposed exit plan of the Arroyo couple to Portugal.

“I have heard that they already have an exit plan to Portugal which does not have an extradition treaty with the Philippines. This only shows guilt, as they have a plan to flee,” Ejercito said.

But Raul Lambino, lawyer and spokesman for the Arroyo, vehemently denied that the Portugal government granted political asylum to the couple. He said the issue is another black propaganda from Malacañang.

“That is another rumor without any iota of basis. It is part of the ongoing vilification and political demolition job perpetrated by Malacanang against the Arroyos,” Lambino said.

House Deputy Speaker and Quezon Rep. Lorenzo “Erin” Tanada III, spokesman of the Liberal Party, also said the story was “unbelievable.”

“I have not heard of it. I don’t think it is true. In order to apply for asylum, the applicant must be in the territory of the country,” Tanada said.