Tax Court allows Mikey Arroyo to travel to Europe

Former Pampanga and Ang Galing Pinoy Rep. Juan Miguel “Mikey” Arroyo. FILE PHOTO

The Court of Tax Appeals (CTA) on Friday granted the request of former Ang Galing Pinoy Representative Juan Miguel “Mikey” Arroyo to travel to Europe.

Arroyo will be in Europe from May 16 to June 14, 2016.

The purpose of his travel was not indicated in the CTA resolution.

READ: Mikey Arroyo pleads not guilty in tax raps

In allowing Arroyo’s request, the Tax Court has set conditions that the former lawmaker should follow, including posting of a travel bond, strictly following his itinerary, a copy of which was submitted to the court, and personally submitting a photocopy of his passport showing a stamp from the Bureau of Immigration upon his arrival.

In a separate ruling, the Tax Court also dismissed the demurrer to evidence filed by Arroyo.

READ: Mikey Arroyo arraigned for tax evasion raps; court enters not guilty plea for solon

A “demurrer to evidence” is a motion filed to dismiss a case for lack of sufficient evidence. It is submitted after the prosecution rests its case.

The Tax Court said that Arroyo’s demurrer to evidence lacks merit. It also set the defense’s presentation of evidence on June 1.

Arroyo is facing three counts of violation of the National Internal Revenue Code (NIRC).

The Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) pegged his tax liability to at least P73.85 million inclusive of surcharges and interest. RAM/rga