Mike Arroyo allowed to travel to Japan, Hong Kong

Former First Gentleman Jose Miguel Arroyo. FILE PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines—The Sandiganbayan Fourth Division allowed former First Gentleman Jose Miguel Arroyo to travel to Japan and Hong Kong on Feb. 3 to 10.

In a resolution made public Thursday, the fourth division granted his request subject to certain conditions which includes he cannot leave earlier than the date stated in his request. Also, within five days after his return, he has to appear personally before the anti-graft court’s Clerk of Court to present his stamped passport and provide a photocopy of his stamped passport.

The Sandiganbayan said he has not withdrawn the P90, 000 travel bond which he posted from earlier trip thus, he can use it as a travel bond for his February 2013 trip.

Arroyo was invited to Tokyo on Feb. 3 to 7 by the Association of Overseas Filipino Communities in Edogawa-Ku in Japan. From there, he will go to Hong Kong where he will preside over LTA Inc.’s yearly corporate planning session.

But Arroyo will have to wait for an approval from another division of the Sandiganbayan before flying to Japan.

The Sandiganbayan Second Division has submitted for resolution Arroyo’s bid that he be allowed to travel abroad.

Arroyo is facing a criminal case in connection with the NBN-ZTE deal before the fourth division. On the other hand, he faces a separate case before the Second division in connection with the helicopter deal.