Mike Arroyo seeks court nod for Japan, Hong Kong trips

MANILA, Philippines — Former first gentleman Jose Miguel “Mike” Arroyo has asked the Sandiganbayan to allow him to travel to Japan and Hong Kong during the holiday season.

In a motion filed before the anti-graft court’s Seventh Division on Nov. 20, Arroyo said he wanted to visit Tokyo from Dec. 26 to Jan. 1 and Hong Kong from Jan. 1 to 6 next year. 

He did not indicate the reason for his intended travel, but assured the court that he is not a flight risk and will return to the country by Jan. 6.

Arroyo, husband of former president now Speaker Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, is facing four counts of graft before the Sandiganbayan in connection with the sale of allegedly overpriced helicopters to the Philippine National Police in 2009.

Last month, the court allowed Arroyo to stay in Tokyo and Hong Kong for 12 days.

He also travelled to Europe from Sept. 12 to Oct. 2.