The Sandiganbayan Seventh Division has granted the motion of former first gentleman Jose Miguel Arroyo for a seven-day trip to Tokyo, Japan and Hong Kong by end of the month.
The anti-graft court, in a minute resolution dated March 26, allowed Arroyo's request to travel abroad from April 21 to 27.
In his motion, Arroyo said he will spend five days in Tokyo and two days in Hong Kong but did not state any reason for his trips.
But the anti-graft court allowed Arroyo to travel, arguing that because of his business interests in the country, there is no chance that he will seek refuge in other countries, the court said.
"This honorable court has, for many times before, permitted him to travel, and he has always returned here as it is here where his family and business interests are, hence, he has no reason not to return. He is, thus, clearly not a flight risk," the Sandiganbayan said.
It added that Arroyo was allowed to travel abroad “subject to the usual terms and conditions imposed by the court.”
Arroyo posted a travel bond of P90,000 He is required by the anti-graft court to report to the Division Clerk of Court within five days upon his return.
Arroyo is facing graft charges before the anti-graft court's Seventh Division owing to his alleged involvement in the alleged anomalous P34.6-million Philippine National Police purchase of two helicopters in 2009.
The Ombudsman accused Arroyo and 19 others, including former National Police chief Jesus Verzosa, of causing “undue injury” to the government when the second-hand helicopters were sold to the PNP as brand new.
