ASIDE from her problematic spine, former President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo is suffering from a rare illness which is life threatening.

At the regular House opposition bloc’s press conference yesterday, incoming House Minority Leader and Quezon Rep. Danilo Suarez disclosed to reporters Mrs. Arroyo state of health after members of the opposition bloc visited her last week in her La Vista subdivision home in Quezon City.

“That is the correct term, the new discovered illness is life-threatening,” Suarez told reporters. “There is complication. There is a new discovered illness.”

However, Mrs. Arroyo’s spokesperson clarified that she is not suffering from new ailment but admitted her condition is rare. In fact, she said the ailment was reported after her third surgery last August.

Elena Bautista-Horn said that according to the former President’s doctors the Pampanga congresswoman has been suffering from a case of hypoparathyroidism which is a rare hormonal disease.

According to the Mayo Clinic, hypoparathyroidism is a rare condition in which the body secretes abnormally low levels of parathyroid hormone (parathormone). This hormone plays a key role in regulating and maintaining a balance of the body's levels of two minerals — calcium and phosphorus.

But Suarez said Mrs. Arroyo remains reluctant to leave the country as her critics may perceive this move as an attempt to evade possible prosecution on string of plunder and criminal complaints filed against her.

“Siya hangga’t maari, ayaw niyang umalis ng bansa. Unless siguro may magbibigay sa kaniya ng advice na may ibang ospital o doktor sa ibang bansa na makakapagbigay sa kaniya ng tamang paggamot,” said Suarez.

Prior to reports about her possible treatment abroad,  Mrs. Arroyo asked Speaker Feliciano “Sonny” Belmonte Jr. to allow her to travel to New York and Germany for medical treatment.

In an ambush interview, Belmonte told reporters that he had signed requests for travel abroad of Mrs. Arroyo, who is now a Pampanga representative.

“I wish her (Mrs. Arroyo) well,” said Belmonte. “I have actually approved her travel agenda already as early as last week to anywhere such as in New York, Germany).  She has two or three destinations, some of them (for) medical (purpose).”

Belmonte expressed belief Mrs. Arroyo will not leave for abroad to evade prosecution for alleged crimes.

Presidential communications development and strategic planning office secretary Ricky Carandang said the Palace would allow Mrs. Arroyo to go abroad for medical treatment depending on  the circumstances.

"It would depend more on what the doctors say. If credible medical treatment says it's necessary to seek medical treatment abroad, we would allow it," Carandang said.

Suarez said Mrs. Arroyo had lost a lot of weight but can walk in her home in La Vista with braces at her nape and neck.

“The last time we saw the (former) President, she has lost a lot of weight.  She’s still wearing braces to support her neck.  And I could say that she’s not comfortable, she’s in pain,” said Suarez.

Suarez stressed Mrs. Arroyo must be allowed to seek medical treatment abroad for similar humanitarian considerations extended to the late Sen. Benigno “Noynoy” Aquino Jr. who was facing various criminal cases before and former president Joseph Ejercito Estrada. Both were allowed to seek medical treatment ab-road.

Both allies and critics of the Aquino administration do not oppose medical treatment ab-road for Mrs. Arroyo whose condition has not improved despite three operations on her problematic spine at St. Lukes Medical Center-Global City in Taguig City.    

With EMontano