Sandiganbayan OKs Mike Arroyo's 19-day Europe trip

Former First Gentleman Jose Moguel “Mike” Arroyo has secured the approval of the Sandiganbayan for his 19-day trip to Europe.

The Seventh Division granted Arroyo's motion for leave to travel abroad in a minute resolution dated May 4.

Arroyo had requested to be allowed to leave the country from May 23 to June 10 for his trips to Madrid and San Sebastian, Spain; Lisbon, Portugal; and Prague, Czech Republic.

He did not cite the purpose of his trip, but told the anti-graft court that he still enjoys his right to be presumed innocent until proven otherwise.

The prosecution objected to the motion, saying the former first gentleman would become unavailable in case the Sandiganbayan summoms him.

State prosecutors further said Arroyo failed to prove the urgency of his European trip, adding that the motion “is utterly devoid of any reason why he wants to travel in these countries.”

The Sandiganbayan said the P90,000 travel bond posted by Arroyo guarantees his faithful return to the Philippines not later than June 10.

The Sandiganbayan also required Arroyo to present himself to the Division Clerk of Court within five days upon his return to Europe and submit copies of his travel documents.

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

The Office of the Ombudsman had 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 PNP received second-hand helicopters for its order of brand new units. —ALG, GMA News