Sandiganbayan allows Acharon travel to Canada

The Sandiganbayan has approved the motion of South Cotabato Representative Pedro Acharon Jr. to travel to Toronto and Ontario, Canada, for 22 days amid his graft case over his alleged failure to liquidate public funds.

The Seventh Division granted the motion for leave of Acharon in a minute resolution dated May 25.

Acharon had sought travel authority for his Toronto trip, which lasts from June 20 to July 11, where he is expected to attend the annual Rotary International Convention as district club president of General Santos City. He said he has no intention of evading his case.

The lawmaker added that he and his wife, Rosalinda, will be visiting members of the Filipino community in the city for 10 days. He said they will stay at a family friend's house in Scarborough, Ontario, after the convention.

"The accused has no intention whatsoever to evade from the prosecution of the above entitled case nor has any intention of absconding from the jurisdiction of the Honorable Court which he duly recognized since the commencement of the proceedings in this case," Acharon said in his motion.

Acharon attached a travel endorsement from Speaker Pantaleon Alvarez on his motion.

The prosecution had opposed the travel, saying there is no necessity or urgency for Acharon to attend the Rotary convention. It also said being accompanied by his wife proves the trip is not only for official business but also for leisure.

The Sandiganbayan, however, said it allows Acharon to proceed with his trip as long as he returns to the Philippines no later than July 11 and present himself to the Division Clerk of Court within five days upon arrival.

The P30,000 travel bond Acharon posted on March 19, 2014 will also "guarantee his faithful compliance" to his allow departure order, accoding to the Sandiganbayan.

Acharon is facing a graft charge for his alleged failure to liquidate P2.5 million meant for the participation of 37 delegates at the Pagana Dinner Show and Tambayayong Festival in Los Angeles, California, in 2006 when he was still mayor of General Santos City. —KBK, GMA News