Sandigan allows Mike Arroyo’s trip to Japan, Hong Kong

MANILA, Philippines – Another division of the Sandiganbayan has allowed former first gentleman Mike Arroyo to travel to Japan and Hong Kong from Jan. 30 to Feb. 8.

The anti-graft court’s Fourth Division granted Arroyo’s motion to travel yesterday despite opposition from ombudsman prosecutors.

Arroyo said he would be staying at the Imperial Hotel Tokyo in Japan and at the Holiday Inn Golden Mile in Hong Kong.

He assured the Sandiganbayan that he would return to the country and abide by the rules set by the court.

He said he would not leave behind his wife, former president Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, who is detained at the Veterans Memorial Medical Center in Quezon City in connection with a plunder case for alleged misuse of Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office funds.

Earlier, the anti-graft court’s Fifth Division allowed Arroyo’s 10-day trip to Japan and Hong Kong.

Arroyo is facing graft charges before the Sandiganbayan for his alleged involvement in the national broadband network deal with China’s ZTE Corp. and in the anomalous purchase of P104-million overpriced helicopters by the Philippine National Police.