Graft-accused Mike Arroyo asks permission to go abroad

Former First Gentleman Jose Miguel Arroyo. INQUIRER FILE PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines – Former first gentleman Jose Miguel “Mike” Arroyo is again asking the Sandiganbayan to allow him to travel abroad amid graft charges over the Philippine National Police (PNP) helicopter mess.

In a motion for leave filed before the anti-graft court’s Fifth Division, Arroyo, the husband of former President Gloria Arroyo, asked the court’s nod for him to travel to Tokyo, Japan, and Hong Kong from January 22 to 30.

Mr. Arroyo reiterated that he was not a flight risk, saying he was presumed innocent until proven guilty and thus enjoyed his right to travel.

“This Honorable Court as well as other courts have graciously permitted him to travel before, and he has always returned here as it is here where his family and business interests are,” the motion read.
He also said he had no reason to flee since his wife, incumbent Pampanga Representative Arroyo who is under hospital detention for plunder over alleged charity funds mess when she was President, was in the country.

“He is thus, clearly, not a flight risk,” he said.

The court earlier allowed the former first gentleman to travel to Italy, Germany, Japan and Hong Kong.

The former first gentleman is accused of selling two second-hand choppers to the PNP and passing it off as brand new.

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