Sandigan OKs ex-PNP chief Purisima’s trip to Taiwan

MANILA, Philippines — The Sandiganbayan has allowed former Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Alan Purisima to leave for Taiwan for five days despite his pending criminal cases.

In separate resolutions issued by the anti-graft court’s Sixth and Second Divisions, Purisima was allowed to travel to Taipei City from June 16 to 20.

Sandiganbayan magistrates granted Purisima’s petition amid the objection of the ombudsman’s prosecutors.

Purisima was ordered to appear before each division’s clerk of court to present his passport bearing the stamped dates of his departure and arrival to Manila.

In his motion, Purisima said he intends to travel to Taipei with his family for “personal reasons.”

Purisima is on trial for eight counts of perjury in connection with his alleged failure to declare several properties in his Statements of Assets, Liabilities and Net Worth from 2006 to 2009 and from 2011 to 2014.

He is also facing graft charges over the allegedly anomalous courier service deal entered into by the PNP with Werfast Documentary Agency Inc. in 2011 for the delivery of gun licenses.