Mikey Arroyo mum on issue of SUV in drug case

Former presidential son Juan Miguel “Mikey” Arroyo. FILE PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines — Ang Galing Pinoy Representative Juan Miguel “Mikey” Macapagal-Arroyo on Wednesday opted to keep mum on the issue of a government vehicle loaned to his former staff which was later found in the possession of an American national during a drug bust.

The National Power Corporation said that the Mitsubishi Pajero (SEP 825) found in the possession of 33-year-old Brian Hills was in fact a government vehicle they assigned to Arroyo’s former staff, lawyer Antonio Mariano Almeda.

Hills was arrested after authorities found a large amount of methamphetamine hydrochloride or “shabu” in his condominium unit in Makati City. Drug paraphernalia was also discovered inside the Pajero.

Arroyo, son of former President and now Pampanga Representative Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, begged off INQUIRER.net’s questions on the matter.

In a text message, he asked that questions be directed to Almeda instead.

The NPC said that they have sent letters for the last two years to the legislator’s office, asking that they return the government vehicle.

Almeda, who was then working under the House committee on energy chaired by Arroyo back in 2008, allegedly failed to return the Pajero to the NPC.

The NPC said they assigned the vehicle to Almeda for his use in conducting ocular inspection of the agency’s decommissioned power plants.