MANILA, Philippines – Former First Gentleman Jose Miguel “Mike” Arroyo on Monday submitted a motion for leave asking the Sandiganbayan’s permission to allow him to travel abroad despite the graft charges he is facing.
Arroyo filed his motion for leave to travel to Tokyo, Japan and Hong Kong on January 30 to February 8 before the anti-graft court’s fifth division.
In his motion dated January 4, Arroyo indicated his detailed itinerary. He said he will stay at the Imperial Hotel in Tokyo, Japan from January 30 to February 5 and Holiday Inn Golden Mile In Nathan Road, Tsim Sha Tsui, Kowloon, Hong Kong from February 5 to 8 with February 8 as arrival in Manila.
“Wherefore, premises considered it is most respectfully prayed that this motion be GRANTED and accused-movant be allowed to travel on dates and to the places aforementioned,” Arroyo’s motion read.
Arroyo specified that he is asking the court’s permission since it is enforcing a hold departure order against him in connection with his involvement in the anomalous purchase of overpriced helicopters by the Philippine National Police in 2009. He also faces graft charges before the Sandiganbayan Fourth Division for being tagged in the alleged anomalous national broadband deal under China’s ZTE Corp. in 2007.
Due to these cases, Arroyo is also facing arraignments which bar him from flying out of the country.
The former first gentleman was previously allowed by the court to travel abroad particularly in Hong Kong, Japan and Europe in the years 2012 to 2015. He always returned to the country each time the Sandiganbayan approved his travels.
“This Honorable Court as well as other courts have graciously permitted him to travel before and he has always returned here as it is here where his family and business interests are. His wife is likewise here. Hence, he has no reason not to return,” Arroyo’s motion stated.
Arroyo's motion will be heard on Friday morning.
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