Philippines' Arroyo in hospital with abdominal pain

MANILA - Philippine President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo has been rushed to a private hospital after complaining of abdominal pains in the middle of an early birthday party for her husband, officials said.

"She is in stable condition, conscious," Presidential Chief of Staff Michael Defensor told reporters. He said the president was likely to spend the night at the hospital and all her appointments for Friday had been cancelled.

Arroyo, 59, has a hectic presidential schedule and a reputation for working long hours, but is not known to have any serious medical condition.

She is due to leave on Saturday night for state visits to Italy and Spain, including a meeting with Pope Benedict XVI.

- REUTERS