The former president’s guests–who were approved by the Philippine National Police–consisted of family, friends and political allies, including her former Cabinet members.
This marks her third birthday celebration in the medical institution since she was placed under hospital arrest in 2012.
Although Arroyo’s petition for a furlough to celebrate her birthday in her hometown in Lubao, Pampanga was junked by the Sandiganbayan, the court allowed extended visiting hours on April 4 and 6.
Members of her extended family were also allowed to sleep over during the weekend.
Meanwhile, her former office, the Malacañan, wished her the best through Communications Operations Office Secretary Herminio Coloma, Jr.
“We want to greet her a happy birthday, and we hope that she will be happy celebrating it, along with her loved ones,” Coloma said during a press briefing.
Arroyo, who is suffering from recurrent dysphagia or problems in swallowing, is under hospital arrest over plunder charges.
She was first placed under hospital arrest in late 2011 over a separate electoral sabotage case. — Andrei Medina/JDS, GMA News
