Former First Gentleman Mike Arroyo. INQUIRER FILE PHOTO
Former first gentleman Jose Miguel “Mike” Arroyo, who is facing a graft trial over the canceled National Broadband Network (NBN) deal, has asked the Sandiganbayan to allow him to fly to Japan to speak before Filipino workers there and to meet with Japanese businessmen, and then on to Hong Kong for a “much needed” rest.
But prosecutors from the Ombudsman’s office on Tuesday opposed the plea, saying the reason for the trip was not of extreme importance or urgency, and it appeared to be more for leisure.
In his motion, Arroyo said he had received an invitation from Japan resident Evelyn Prieto Solis to speak before Filipino workers in Edogawa-Ku in Tokyo, and to meet with Japanese businessmen to discuss possible investments in the Philippines related to hydroelectricity. He said his hosts had scheduled his visit for April 28 to May 8.
Rest in HK
After Japan, he said he intended to fly to Hong Kong to get some rest and return to the Philippines on May 10.
Arroyo said he had a right to travel because he had not been convicted of any crime.
“Accused most respectfully submits that he is still entitled to his constitutional right to travel as he is still innocent unless proven otherwise, subject only to the limitations this Honorable Court may impose,” he said.
He said he was willing to post a bond.
Earlier, the Sandiganbayan antigraft court issued a hold-departure order (HDO) against the Arroyos, Abalos and Mendoza, which means they cannot leave the country without the court’s permission.
Still, the Office of the Special Prosecutor, in its pleading, asked the Sandiganbayan Fourth Division that is hearing the case to deny Arroyo’s motion to travel.
Not pressing
The OSP said the purpose of the trip was not a pressing necessity.
It also said that Arroyo failed to support his motion with details of the trip, such as the dates of his speaking engagement and business meetings. He also failed to provide contact numbers where he could be reached.
It further said that as an accused in the NBN graft case, his right to leave the country was not absolute.
Arroyo has pleaded not guilty to the graft charge in connection with his alleged involvement in the approval of the NBN deal with China’s ZTE Corp., which was found to be disadvantageous to the government.
He was held liable for allegedly initiating a reconciliatory meeting between losing NBN bidder Jose de Venecia III and Abalos, who were tussling over the broadband project.