Marquez asks Sandigan to allow him to go to the US

Former Parañaque City Mayor Joey Marquez asked the Sandiganbayan yesterday to allow him to travel to the United States for three weeks to attend the wedding anniversary of his sister.

In a five-page motion filed before the third division of the anti-graft court, where his graft case remains pending, the comedian and TV show host said he needs to attend the 40th wedding anniversary of his elder sister Zenaida and her husband, Jerry Balleza.

Marquez told the justices that his presence is needed in the event because he will stand as the principal sponsor in the wedding to be held at the Holy Spirit church in Fermont, California.

He said he intends to spend the rest of his stay, if allowed by the anti-graft court, with his children. He also explained that his hectic work as a television and movie actor has prevented him from spending time with his family.

"It is only in another country that he could freely, and without distraction, spend time with his children and members of his family away from the public eye," his lawyer stated in the motion. — Delon Porcalla