Dominican FM: No asylum bid for Arroyo

Former president Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo is photographed wearing a three-kilo steel brace. JOAN BONDOC/INQUIRER

MANILA, Philippines—The Dominican Republic’s foreign minister has denied reports from Philippine officials that former president Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo has requested asylum in the Caribbean nation.

Carlos Morales Troncoso told The Associated Press in the Dominican Republic on Friday that they have not received an application for asylum from Arroyo.

Arroyo is facing corruption complaints and has been barred from seeking medical treatment abroad. Philippine Justice Secretary Leila de Lima said this week that she was checking reports that Arroyo had asked for political asylum in the Dominican Republic, where she visited early this year.

President Benigno Aquino III has refused to lift Arroyo’s travel ban, saying she might never return to face the charges, which she denies.