Palace: George Clooney’s fiancée free to help Arroyo

Malacañang on Monday shrugged off news that Hollywood star George Clooney's fiancee, an international human rights lawyer, wants to bring the case of former President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo before the United Nations, saying it is within her right to do so.

"Iginagalang natin ang karapatan ni dating Pangulong Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo na kumuha ng mga manananggol na may kakayahan at iginagalang din natin ang karapatan ng kanyang manananggol na gawin ang nararapat hinggil sa kanyang usapin," Presidential Communications Operations Office head Herminio Coloma Jr. said during a press briefing.

He issued the statement after reports said British barrister Amal Alamuddin wants to help Arroyo, whose human rights are supposedly being violated.

Coloma, however, said they are not worried about any violation.

"Hindi po yan matter of confidence, matter of duty po sa bahagi ng administrasyon na tiyakin na wala pong nilalabag na batas," he said.

He likewise reiterated that they have no "ill will" toward the former president and "are simply following the processes of law."

Arroyo is facing plunder charges in connection with the alleged misuse of P366-million Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office intelligence funds during her incumbency. She is undergoing treatment for a spine disease. — BM, GMA News