In the opposition filed by the court, Purisima’s request was “vehemently opposed” because there is “no urgent or compelling reason” that can be “discerned to justify the grant” of Purisima’s travel abroad. Sandiganbayan denies Purisima’s travel requestThe Sandiganbayan Sixth Division has denied the request made by former Philippine National Police (PNP) Chief Alan Purisima to travel to the United States from September 5 to 27, 2016 to visit his son Jason Arvi, who is currently studying at the Culinary Institute of America at St. Helena, California. “Accused has not sufficiently shown that there is absolute necessity for him to travel abroad,” the opposition paper reads. The court found them guilty for being partial to the firm Werfast Documentary Agency, Inc., which won the courier contract. “There is no plausible and compelling reason for his purported travel.”At the same time, Purisima failed to provide good reason that denial of his travel abroad would “cause him irreparable damage or prejudice.”Even if Purisima already booked his ticket as early as March 15 this year, the Sandiganbayan reminded him that any accused’s right to travel is not absolute and is still subject to usual restraints of safeguarding the system of justice.

Source: Manila Bulletin July 29, 2016 04:41 UTC