De Lima orders drafting of watch list order for Mike Arroyo

MANILA, Philippines—Justice Secretary Leila de Lima on Wednesday directed members of her legal staff to draft a watch list order that she might issue against former First Gentleman Jose Miguel “Mike” Arroyo.

De Lima said she also ordered Chief State Counsel Ricardo Paras to coordinate with the Senate to verify if the senators had indeed asked the Department of Justice to place Arroyo on the Bureau of Immigration’s   watch list.

“Once that is verified, then I’m inclined to issue a watch list order (against Arroyo),” the justice secretary told reporters.

Testifying at a Senate hearing on Tuesday, Archibald Po, Lionair Inc. president, identified Arroyo as the owner of two refurbished helicopters which were sold as brand new to the Philippine National Police.