Updated

A Philippine court has issued an arrest warrant for former President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo on electoral fraud charges to prevent any chance of her turning fugitive.

Arroyo denies wrongdoing and accuses the government of violating her rights by stopping her from leaving the Philippines for medical treatment abroad.

The Supreme Court earlier Friday upheld her right to travel but a lower court later issued a warrant of arrest that effectively bars her from leaving.

Arroyo was recovering in the hospital since her failed attempt to leave the country Tuesday, and it was doubtful she would be immediately hauled to jail given her medical condition