Mike A files travel plea

MANILA, Philippines - Former first gentleman Jose Miguel Arroyo sought permission from the Sandiganbayan to leave for Japan and Hong Kong from Oct. 23 to Nov. 4 so that he could treat his grandchildren to a trip abroad.

Arroyo is barred from leaving the country without court permission due to a pending graft case before the anti-graft court in connection with his alleged involvement in the anomalous national broadband network project worth $329 million.

In his motion for leave to travel, Arroyo said he would like to bring his grandchildren to Japan and Hong Kong to give them an “enjoyable and fun-filled semestral break.”

“Like any loving grandfather, Jose Miguel desires to take this rare opportunity to bond with his grandchildren privately,” the motion reads.

He also submitted to the court their itinerary, including the hotels where they would be staying.

He told the court that he is not a flight risk and he has complied with the conditions of the court when he was granted permission to leave abroad in the past.