Philippines' Arroyo declared healthy after biopsies

MANILA (Reuters) - Philippine President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo was declared in good health after biopsies were conducted on lumps found on her breast and groin, her press secretary said Friday.

"By the grace of God, our president is in good health," Cerge Remonde told reporters, adding the biopsy tests showed the growths were not malignant.

Arroyo, 62, checked in at a private hospital south of the capital Manila Tuesday night after returning from two weeks of travel to Japan, Colombia, Brazil and Hong Kong.

Remonde said the president had undergone a medical check-up before her trip last month, but "some test results needed follow-up," including the biopsies.

"The result of the biopsy is negative," he said. "The president is in good health. You will see her moving around in the next few days. That's the best proof of her health."

(Reporting by Manny Mogato; Editing by Raju Gopalakrishnan)