Honasan seeks Sandiganbayan’s nod for Hong Kong trip

Senator Gringo Honasan on Tuesday asked the Sandiganbayan to allow his four-day trip to Hong Kong where he will serve as guest of honor and speaker in seminars with overseas Filipino workers.

In a motion for an allow departure order, Honasan said he will travel to Hong Kong from March 15 to 18 upon the invitation of the Philippine Guardians Brotherhood Inc. - Hong Kong Executive Council (PGBI).

Honasan said PGBI organized two seminars on March 16 and 17 with the theme "ChaCha, Federalism and the OFW," where he will raise awareness on issues directy affecting overseas Filipino workers.

Based on his itinerary, the two remaining days in Honasan's motion are intended for his travel and check in and check out times at the hotel where he will stay in Hong Kong.

Honasan attached the letter-invitation signed by PGBI president Jaena Jacinto in his motion, citing his duties as a senator "includes the dissemination of his legislative policies nad opinions about current national and international issues."

The lawmaker is facing two counts of violation Section 3(e) of the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act over the alleged anomalous use of his Priority Development Assistance Funds worth P29.1 million in 2012.

Honasan assured the court that he does not intend to flee and he is willing to pay the necessary travel bond.

"Accused Honasan undertakes that the aforesaid  travel is not for the purpose of absconding or evading prosecution of his case pending before this honorable court and manifests his willingness to post a bond in such amount as the honorable court may determine to be reasonable sufficient to secure his aforesaid undertaking," he said in the motion.

The Second Division is scheduled to hear Honasan's motion on February 23. —ALG, GMA News