Sandiganbayan allows ex-FG Arroyo to travel to Japan, HK

MANILA, Philippines - The Sandiganbayan on Tuesday allowed former First Gentleman Jose Miguel "Mike" Arroyo to travel abroad despite the graft charges filed against him.

The anti-graft court's fifth division granted the plea of Arroyo to travel to Tokyo, Japan and Hong Kong from January 30 to February 8.

Arroyo will stay at the Imperial Hotel in Tokyo from January 30 to February 5 and at the Holiday Inn Golden Mile in Hong Kong from February 5 to 8.

The Sandiganbayan stressed that the former first gentleman's itinerary of travel shall only cover Tokyo and Hong Kong and not any other place.

"That the travel bond which he posted in connection with his previous travel which has not been withdrawn, shall continue to guarantee his faithful compliance with the conditions imposed herein," the Sandiganbayan said.

Arroyo was also ordered to advise the court of his arrival five days after his return.

The anti-graft court said that any violation of the terms and conditions will result to the forfeiture of Arroyo's travel bond and will lead to the issuance of a warrant for his arrest.

"That any material misrepresentation made in the accused's Motion for Leave to Travel Abroad shall be punished as contempt of this Court and shall be dealt with accordingly," the anti-graft court said.

A hold departure order is enforced against Arroyo in connection to his involvement in the anomalous purchase of overpriced helicopters by the Philippine National Police in 2009. He is also facing graft charges in connection to the alleged anomalous national broadband deal under China's ZTE Corp. in 2009.ZTE Corp. in 2009.