Ongpin seeks new permit to travel

Businessman Roberto Ongpin. INQUIRER file photo

MANILA, Philippines—Businessman Roberto Ongpin, who is facing graft charges at the Sandiganbayan, has sought the court’s permission to travel to at least 15 countries from Jan. 31 to April 30.

Ongpin asked the antigraft court for three separate leaves: from Jan. 31 to Feb. 26; March 1 to March 24; and April 3 to April 30.

The leaves will cover travels to Singapore, United Arab Emirates, Italy, France, United Kingdom, Switzerlnd, Turkey, Cambodia, Timor Leste, Australia, Hong Kong, Myanmar, Indonesia, China and Japan.

In his motion, Ongpin reminded the Sandiganbayan he was allowed to travel from July 21, 2013, to Aug. 19, 2013, to Hong Kong, France, Italy, United Kingdom, Austria and Turkey.

On each of these occasions, Ongpin said, he did not leave the Philippines earlier than the date allowed and dutifully returned to the jurisdiction of the court and surrendered his passport.

The prosecution opposed the motion. It said Ongpin’s motion failed to indicate the urgent reasons for the request and specify the business matters or meetings that required Ongpin’s presence in these countries.

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