Syjuco couple seeks return trip to Singapore

Former Technical Education and Skills Development Authority director general Augusto Syjuco Jr. and his wife, former Iloilo Representative Judy Syjuco, have sought the approval of the Sandiganbayan for their trip to Singapore.

In a motion filed on January 18, the couple told the Sandiganbayan they intend to return to Singapore from February 7 to 22 for the chemotherapy treatment of Mr. Syjuco to prevent him from succumbing to leukemia.

The couple earlier stated the travel will only last to February 18 as Mr. Syjuco is expected to take a medicine called Azacitidine that is not yet available in the Philippines.

They appealed for an extension of their trip until February 22 since a new medicine will be administered on the former TESDA chief.

The anti-graft court’s Third Division had allowed Mrs. Syjuco to join her husband in its January 22 minute resolution.

The Sandiganbayan said the P460,000 travel bond of Mrs. Syjuco will guarantee her compliance to the conditions of her travel, warning her that any material misrepresentation may be ground for her arrest.

On the other hand, the travel motion of Mr. Syjuco is still set for hearing.

The Sandiganbayan had approved previous trips of the couple to Singapore for the same reason cited in the motion.

The couple face various cases in the Sandiganbayan over their alleged anomalous use of public funds. These are on the alleged anomalous awarding of TESDA scholarships, purchase of more than 1,500 cellphone units, and the supposed implementation of a district-wide poultry project. — MDM, GMA News