Sandiganbayan grants Mike Arroyo’s Japan, Hong Kong trips

The Sandiganbayan has allowed the seven-day travel of former First Gentleman Jose Miguel "Mike" Arroyo to Tokyo, Japan and Hong Kong on the last week of April.

In a minute resolution dated March 26, the Seventh Division granted the motion for leave to travel abroad of Arroyo from April 21 to 27.

Arroyo had moved to be allowed to spend five days in Tokyo and two days in Hong Kong. He did not state the purpose of his trip.

Arroyo, however, said the Sandiganbayan had allowed his previous travels abroad, saying he has no reason to flee the Philippines since his family and businesses are located in the country.

"This honorable court has, for many times before, permitted him to travel, and he has always returned here as it is here where his family and business interests are, hence, he has no reason not to return. He is, thus, clearly not a flight risk," the motion read.

The Sandiganbayan said Arroyo is allowed to travel "subject to the usual terms and conditions imposed by the court."

It added that Arroyo, who already posted a P90,000 travel bond, is required to present himself to the Division Clerk of Court within five days upon his return.

Arroyo is facing graft charges before the Seventh Division over the alleged irregularities in the Philippine National Police (PNP)’s purchase of two helicopters in 2009.

The Office of the Ombudsman accused Arroyo and 19 others, including former PNP chief Jesus Verzosa, of causing "undue injury" to the government amounting to P34.6 million when the second-hand helicopters were sold to the PNP as brand new. — Joseph Tristan Roxas/RSJ, GMA News