Sandigan OKs Mike A.’s Taiwan, Europe trips

MANILA, Philippines - Former first gentleman Jose Miguel “Mike” Arroyo has secured the Sandiganbayan’s nod to travel to Taiwan and several countries in Europe.

The anti-graft court’s Seventh Division granted Arroyo’s motion during a short hearing yesterday amid objections by the prosecution.

Just like in his previous motions, Arroyo did not indicate the reason for his trips but assured the court that he will return to the Philippines “as is its here where his family and business interests are.”

Arroyo, husband of former president and incumbent Pampanga Rep. Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, is facing graft charges before the Seventh Division in connection with the sale of allegedly overpriced helicopters to the Philippine National Police in 2009.

Arroyo maintained that he is not a flight risk as proven by his return to the country during his previous foreign trips.

Just last month, the Seventh Division also allowed Arroyo to stay in Europe particularly in the United Kingdom, Portugal and Ireland.

In his new motion, Arroyo said he will be staying in Taipei from Aug. 25 and return to Manila on Aug. 28. He will then go on a three-country tour in Europe, particularly in Frankfurt and Munich in Germany from Sept. 10 to 25; Paris, France from Sept. 25 to 30; and Madrid, Spain from Sept. 30 to Oct. 5.

Arroyo said he will be back in Manila on Oct. 6.