Dominican FM: No asylum bid for ex-Philippine pres

The Associated Press

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.

In this Tuesday Nov. 8, 2011 photo, former Philippine President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo, wearing a head and neck brace, reacts during an interview with a local reporter at her residence in suburban Quezon city, northeast of Manila, Philippines.. On Wednesday Nov. 9, 2011, Philippine President Benigno Aquino III, offered to fly in foreign doctors on government's expense to examine Arroyo after barring her from treatment abroad while facing complaints of abuse of office. Aquino said his administration will foot the bill for her bone biopsy in the Philippines. (AP Photo/Manila Standard Today) PHILIPPINES OUT MANDATORY CREDIT

In this Tuesday Nov. 8, 2011 photo, former Philippine President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo, wearing a head and neck brace, sits down for an interview with a local reporter at her residence in suburban Quezon city, northeast of Manila, Philippines. On Wednesday Nov. 9, 2011, Philippine President Benigno Aquino III, offered to fly in foreign doctors on government's expense to examine Arroyo after barring her from treatment abroad while facing complaints of abuse of office. Aquino said his administration will foot the bill for her bone biopsy in the Philippines. (AP Photo/Manila Standard Today) PHILIPPINES OUT MANDATORY CREDIT

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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.

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November 11, 2011 08:01 PM EST

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