Mike A travel request bucked

Manila, Philippines -  The Office of the Ombudsman has opposed the request of former first gentleman Jose Miguel Arroyo to again travel to Japan.

In a six-page opposition filed before the Sandiganbayan, the Ombudsman said they are puzzled why Arroyo had to travel to Japan since he is a private individual “during and after the tenure” of his wife, former President and now Pampanga Rep. Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo and had no capacity to hold speaking engagements.

State prosecutors led by Rabendranath Uy said that they are “in a quandary” about Arroyo’s invitation to Japan to speak before the Filipino community.

“He is a private individual and has never held any position in government,” the comment said.

Arroyo filed a five-page motion asking the Sandiganbayan Fourth Division to allow him to fly to Edogawa-Ku, Tokyo, Japan for a meeting with the Filipino community there from June 16 to 21.

The invitation came from businesswoman Evelyn Prieto-Solis.

– With Paolo Romero