Mike Arroyo seeks speedy arraignment in graft case

Former first Gentleman Jose Miguel “Mike” Arroyo MARIANNE BERMUDEZ/Inquirer

Former first gentleman Jose Miguel “Mike” Arroyo’s lawyer said he expected his client to undergo a conditional arraignment in the Sandiganbayan Friday in connection with a graft case involving the sale of used helicopters to the Philippine National Police (PNP), so he could be allowed to travel to Hong Kong and Japan again.

Arroyo, through his lawyer Ferdinand Topacio, filed in the antigraft court’s Second Division yesterday a very urgent motion to travel, as well as an exemption from the three-day notice rule for court hearings so his plea could be heard sooner. The motion is expected to be heard Friday.

Earlier, the Sandiganbayan Fourth Division allowed Arroyo to leave for Japan and Hong Kong on June 16. The Fourth Division is hearing his graft case in connection with the canceled national broadband network-ZTE Corp. contract.

In the Second Division, on the other hand, Arroyo is accused of conspiring to sell used helicopters to the PNP at brand-new prices. The same division recently issued a hold-departure order against Arroyo.

Arroyo and his coaccused have not been arraigned in the helicopter case. For him to be allowed to travel, he must be conditionally arraigned and enter a plea so that in case he does not return, the court would still have jurisdiction over him. Leila B. Salaverria