Sandigan OKs Honasan's Hong Kong trip

MANILA — The Sandiganbayan has granted the request of Senator Gregorio Honasan to leave the country for four days amid his pending cases in connection with the alleged misuse of P30 million of his Priority Development Assistance Fund or pork barrel in 2012.

In a minute-resolution dated February 28, the court's Second Division has allowed Honasan to stay in Hong Kong from March 15 to 18 despite the opposition of the Office of the Ombudsman's prosecution team.

The Second Division had earlier issued a hold departure order against Honasan to prevent him from leaving the country unless there is a prior written permission from the court. The HDO was issued in connection with the two counts of graft filed by the ombudsman against Honasan in August last year.

In granting Honasan's travel request, the Second Division reminded him that “his itinerary shall cover Hong Kong only.” He was also required to deposit before the court P120,000 as travel bond.

Furthermore, the Second Division directed Honasan to personally appear before the clerk of court within five days upon his return to the Philippines and “submit proof of date” of his arrival.

Honasan said he was invited by the Philippine Guardians Brotherhood Inc. to be the main speaker in two seminars for the Overseas Filipino Workers in Hong Kong regarding Charter change and federalism. He assured the court that he has no intention of absconding or evading the prosecution of his cases.