Mike A wants to go on vacation abroad

MANILA, Philippines - Former first gentleman Jose Miguel Arroyo personally appeared before the Sandiganbayan yesterday to ask the anti-graft court to allow him to travel abroad next month for a much-needed vacation with his children.

He assured the Fourth and Fifth Divisions that he is not a flight risk since he had previously been granted a travel clearance and has faithfully complied with the conditions set by the court.

Arroyo, who is facing two separate graft charges before the Sandiganbayan for his alleged involvement in the national broadband network deal anomaly and the helicopter deal scandal involving the Philippine National Police, said he plans to leave the country on June 1 and return on June 9.

He told the anti-graft court during a hearing yesterday that he will be taking a vacation with his sons Mikey and Dato, daughter Luli, and their families. Arroyo said he wants to spend time with his children and grandchildren before the opening of classes next month.

After the hearing, he told reporters that his wife, former President and now Pampanga Rep. Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, will obviously not be able to join him and their children and grandchildren if the Sandiganbayan grants him a travel permit.

Arroyo said his wife, who remains under hospital arrest because of a plunder charge, is losing weight and is now only 86 lbs.

The Sandiganbayan is expected to rule on his request for a travel permit within the month.