Sandigan allows Mike A trip to Japan, Hong Kong

MANILA, Philippines - The Sandiganbayan yesterday allowed former first gentleman Jose Miguel Arroyo to travel to Japan and Hong Kong next month.

In separate rulings, the Fourth and Fifth Divisions of the anti-graft court granted Arroyo’s motions to travel abroad subject to posting of bonds.

 However, Arroyo need not pay the travel bonds - P90,000 and P30,000 - since he did not withdraw the amounts he previously paid when he was first allowed to travel abroad.

“Thank God,” Arroyo said after learning of the travel permit. 

The travel clearance is valid from June 1 to June 9 with the condition requiring him to report to the Sandiganbayan upon his return.

 The former first gentleman is facing separate graft charges for his alleged involvement in the botched national broadband network (NBN) deal with China’s ZTE Corp. and the overpriced purchase of second-hand helicopters by the Philippine National Police (PNP).

When asked about his wife, Arroyo said the former president has been informed of her victory in the congressional race in Pampanga’s second district. 

“She is happy,” he told The STAR as he expressed hope that she would be granted bail by the Sandiganbayan where she is also facing plunder charges.

 Mrs. Arroyo remains under hospital arrest at the Veterans Memorial Medical Center (VMMC) in Quezon City.