Ombudsman panel finds Mike Arroyo, others liable in chopper sale

Former First Gentleman Jose Miguel Arroyo. INQUIRER FILE PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines – A fact-finding panel of the Office of the Ombudsman has found Jose Miguel Arroyo, husband of former President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, liable for the questionable sale of helicopters to the Philippine National police.

It recommended the filing of graft charges against Arroyo, Ronaldo Puno, Jesus Verzosa and Avelino Razon, among others.

The panel’s findings would undergo preliminary investigation at the Office of the Ombudsman.

Ombudsman Conchita Carpio Morales created a special panel to conduct the preliminary investigation. It was given 60 days to complete the probe, which is to determine if enough evidence exists to bring the case to a trial on court.