Lito Lapid's wife arrested in US for carrying 'undeclared' $50,000

Senator Lito Lapid on Thursday said that his wife is ready to defend herself against charges that she supposedly misdeclared currency beyond the allowable amount into the United States, which had led to her arrest.   "Nakakalungkot ang pangyayaring ito pero handa naman ang asawa ko na sagutin ang anumang issue tungkol sa insidente at may abogado na siya na nag-aasikaso doon," Lapid said in a statement released Thursday.   A Philippine Star report said Lapid's wife, Marissa, was arrested in connection with her supposed attempt to smuggle $50,000 into the US last year.  She was reportedly released on bail pending the resolution of the case.   Lapid did not disclose any details about the incident. A member of his staff, Alex Marcelino, told GMA News Online that they were not authorized to release any more information and that the senator's statement should suffice.   "Naghihintay pa rin kami ng detalye mula sa mga abogado niya at mas nararapat na rin na maghintay muna ng impormasyon mula sa kanila," Lapid said in the statement.   According to the US Customs and Border Protection, "If you and your travel companions together are carrying $10,000 or more in cash or other negotiable instruments such as endorsed checks, you must declare it. If you do not, it is subject to forfeiture. Your money is not subject to taxation or duty." - Kimberly Jane Tan/KBK/HS, GMA News