Former President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo had been advised by her cardiologist to seek a second opinion on her health condition from a surgeon in New York City, one of her allies said Tuesday.

House Minority Leader Danilo Suarez said he will try to ask Arroyo’s lawyers to ask the Sandiganbayan anti-graft court to allow the former President to consult a neuro-cervical surgeon abroad, as recommended by her cardiologist, Dr. Robert Anastacio.

“We will appeal for the compassion of the court. We will appeal for the lifting of the order so that she can seek medical treatment abroad,” Suarez told reporters Tuesday.

The opposition leader added that Arroyo’s doctors found a lump in the former President’s breast, although he said he still had to compare findings made by doctors from the Makati Medical Center and those from the Veterans Memorial Medical Center.

“When we’re talking of a life-and-death situation, all the leeway should be given to a person who is ill,” he said.

Arroyo, who is suffering from bone mineral disorder, is restricted from traveling abroad due to a hold departure order issued by the Sandiganbayan in connection with a plunder case filed against her for alleged misuse of Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO) funds.

In a medical bulletin released Monday, Anastacio said the former President is at risk of “sudden death” because the displaced titanium implant in her spine is blocking her respiratory tract.

The ex-President underwent three surgical procedures last year at the St. Luke’s Medical Center in Taguig City to correct a pinched nerve on her spine. The implant was placed on her neck during the first procedure, and had to be corrected during the second operation.

Late last month, Arroyo was released from hospital detention after a Pasay court allowed her to post a P1-million bail in relation to her poll sabotage case.

Last November, the former President also attempted to leave the country to seek medical attention, but was prevented by government officials at the airport. - BM, GMA News