FORMER Vice President Jejomar Binay has asked the Sandiganbayan to allow him to travel to Italy for a 15-day pilgrimage.
In a five-page motion, Binay said he wanted “to travel to Italy for his spiritual endeavors” from Sept. 28 to Oct. 13.
“It is very important to note that Movant [Binay] is a devout Catholic who places great importance to his spiritual health,” Binay’s motion said.
He also said he would not be a flight risk because “he is a highly-respected citizen of the country.”
Binay is facing charges at the anti-graft court over alleged questionable construction of the Makati Science High School and the alleged overpriced Makati City Hall Parking Building.
The former Vice President’s wife, Elenita, earlier sought the anti-graft court’s permission to travel for the 15-day pilgrimage.
Mrs. Binay faces trial at the Sandiganbayan in connection with the alleged anomalous purchase of office partitions and furniture worth P70.06 million in 1999 during her tenure as Makati mayor.
Don Bosco Philippines North Province has organized the trip, and the tour covers visits to Rome, Assisi, Padova, Venice, Turin, and Florence, Mrs. Binay said.
Mrs. Binay is also charged with graft and malversation of funds at the Sandiganbayan’s Third Division over the allegedly anomalous P45 million worth of purchase of beds and sterilizers for the Ospital ng Makati.