MANILA, Philippines — The trial on the case of former First Gentleman Jose Miguel “Mike” Arroyo and his co-accused’s involvement in an alleged anomalous sale of helicopters to the Philippine National Police (PNP) shall proceed, Sandiganbayan has decided. In a ten-page resolution dated January 30, the Sandiganbayan 7th Division denied the separate motions for leave of court to file demurrer to evidence filed by Arroyo and his 11 co-accused for lack of merit. ADVERTISEMENTThe case stemmed from the 2009 sale of used helicopters allegedly passed off as brand-new to the PNP despite being secondhand aircraft. But the anti-graft court argued that Arroyo’s assertions “cannot defeat without controverting evidence on his part, the evidence mostly presented against him” by prosecution witnesses. ADVERTISEMENT“The most cost-effective and expeditious way to do this is to proceed to trial, unabated by any other motions,” the anti-graft court added.

Source: Philippine Daily Inquirer March 09, 2020 13:41 UTC