Former FG Arroyo asks travel permit

Former First Gentleman Jose Miguel “Mike” Arroyo has asked the anti-graft court to allow him to travel to three countries.

In his motion submitted to the Court, Arroyo said he was advised by his doctors to have his check up in Singapore.

Based on the motion, the trip to Singapore will be from 24 to 26 October.

The motion stated that Arroyo also wants to travel to Japan from 26 to 31 October and to Hong Kong from 31 October to 3 November.

“This Honorable Court has, for many times before, permitted him to travel, and he has always returned here as it is here where his family and business interests are, hence, he has no reason not to return. He is, thus, clearly not a flight risk.”

“Accused-movant further manifests that he is ready and willing to submit to any such conditions as this Honorable Court may impose as additional guarantees for his return and submission of himself to its jurisdiction,” the motion stated.

The Sandiganbayan Seventh Division has submitted Arroyo’s motion for resolution on Friday.

Arroyo is a subject of a Hold Departure Order due to his pending graft charges in relation to the Philippine National Police’s procurement of two supposedly second-hand helicopters which allegedly were paid for as brand new.