Lray Villafuerte seeks lifting of hold order

Former Camarines Sur Gov. Luis “LRay” Villafuerte Jr.: Puzzled. INQUIRER FILE PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines—Former Camarines Sur Gov. Lray Villafuerte has appealed to the Sandiganbayan to lift the hold-departure order issued against him in connection with a graft case to enable him to make three business trips to China this year.

In an urgent motion for leave of travel abroad, Villafuerte informed the antigraft court’s 5th Division that he has several business trips scheduled during this period, including his attendance at the China Import and Export Fair.

Based on the itinerary he submitted to the court, Villafuerte will be in Guangzhou from Oct.15 to 18 and Oct. 27 to 30, and Macau from Nov. 21 to 25.

Villafuerte said that as former governor of his province, he was not a flight risk.

He said he will be traveling with his wife, Lara Maria. The couple runs the Lara’s Gifts and Decors Inc., described as a “very successful and multiawarded company.”

Aside from attending a trade fair in China, Villafuerte said they will also be meeting with potential investors, suppliers and business partners in connection with new businesses they are forming.

Villafuerte assured the court that he would return home as he still has plans to run for public office in the next elections, all his children reside here, and his son Miguel is the incumbent governor of his home province.—Cynthia D. Balana