The Sandiganbayan Third Division has granted the petition of dismissed Makati mayor Jejomar Binay Jr. to travel abroad for a family trip in the United States pending the graft, malversation and falsification charges over the alleged overpriced Makati car park building.
In its resolution, the anti-graft court allowed Binay Jr.’s travel motion to go to California, New York, and Washington with his children from June 8 to 30.
The court added the former mayor to post a travel bond amounting to P608,000. But since Binay Jr. has not yet withdrawn the amount he earlier deposited for a previous travel bond, he is no longer required to deposit anew, the court said.
The court also said that Binay Jr. must only travel within his itinerary and schedule. At the same time, he must present himself before the clerk of court with his passport and documents of his stamps of departure within five days after his return, the court said.
The court adder that should he fail to return to the Philippines, it would deem his absence a waiver of his right to be present in the hearings or trial that shall continue despite his absence.
The court earlier said in a resolution that it found probable cause to try Binay Jr. for the falsification and graft charges over the anomalous construction of the P2.2-billion Makati parking building.