Sandiganbayan OKs ex-DOT Sec Durano’s Australia trip

MANILA, Philippines — Former Tourism Secretary Joseph Felix Mari “Ace” Durano has been allowed by the Sandiganbayan to travel to Australia this June 2019.

According to a resolution from the anti-graft court’s Seventh Division dated May 10, Durano’s motion to travel abroad was granted provided that his travel would only cover Australia, and that his trip would be only from June 2 to June 15.

Aside from these, Durano was asked to post a travel bond of P60,000, as a guarantee that he would comply with the conditions of his travel.  He is likewise ordered to present himself to the Division Clerk of Court on his return.

“That within five days after accused’s return to the Philippines, he shall present himself in person to the Division Clerk of Court, together with his passport and photocopies of the pages thereof indicating the stamp of his departure from, and entry or arrival in the Philippines, the photocopies to be authenticated by the Division Clerk of Court after a comparison with the original thereof,” the anti-graft court said.

“[…] submit to this Court a written formal compliance with the terms and conditions of this Resolution within 15 days of his expected date of return,” they added.

Durano is accused of graft when he allegedly conspired with other Department of Tourism officials in procuring wall calendars worth P2.7 million without a public bidding.

Meanwhile, the Seventh Division said that if Durano violates any of the terms and conditions stated in the motion, it would be sufficient grounds for the forfeiture of his cash bond and the issuance of an arrest order.

And should Durano fail to return to the country, the trial will proceed as scheduled.

“That notice of further proceedings hereon should he not return as undertaken, shall be made to him through his counsel on record; and that if he fails to return as undertaken, trial will proceed as scheduled,” the court explained.  (Editor: Mike U. Frialde)