Sandigan allows JV Ejercito to join Duterte’s Japan trip

Senator Joseph Victor “JV” Ejercito. LYN RILLON/INQUIRER FILE PHOTO

The Sandiganbayan has allowed Sen. JV Ejercito to join President Duterte in his state visit to Japan from Oct. 25 to 27.

During a scheduled hearing yesterday, the antigraft court’s Fifth Division granted Ejercito’s urgent motion for travel, but told his camp to submit other requirements such as authorization by the Office of the Senate President and confirmation by the Office of the President.

This marks the second time Ejercito was allowed to leave the country this month. Last weekend, he joined his wife, Maria Hyacinth, in Hong Kong as she processed her retirement benefits with Cathay Pacific. For this trip, he posted a travel bond of P60,000.

Ejercito told reporters in an interview that he was the only senator invited by the President to join the delegation, noting that he was one of the primary authors of the bill granting emergency powers to President Duterte to address the transportation crisis.

Biggest source of funds

The senator added that the visit will “most likely” involve consultations with his Japanese counterparts regarding foreign funding for infrastructure projects.

“As we know, Japan is the biggest source of funds through the official development assistance. Maybe I was invited specifically for the transport crisis,” he said.

Although Ejercito said he wanted to pursue the creation of an efficient railway system, he clarified that delegates would just assist Mr. Duterte during consultations regarding the possible methods and options that could be taken.