Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, October 3) — The Sandiganbayan dismissed the graft case against former first gentleman Jose Miguel “Mike” Arroyo over his alleged involvement in the anomalous sale of second-hand helicopters to the Philippine National Police (PNP) in 2009.
In a three-page decision, the anti-graft court’s 7th division cited a December 2021 ruling by the Supreme Court ordering the Sandiganbayan to drop Arroyo from the case.
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The court earlier lifted the hold departure order against Arroyo.
“The cash bond posted by Jose Miguel T. Arroyo for his provisional liberty is ordered released to him or his duly authorized representative,” the ruling said.
The Ombudsman filed charges against Arroyo over the PNP’s purchase of two Standard Robinson Raven I helicopters in 2009.
It was later found that the choppers were second-hand and supposedly pre-owned by Arroyo.
Arroyo appealed his indictment before the Supreme Court, which eventually ruled that the Office of the Ombudsman and Sandiganbayan committed grave abuse of discretion when it found probable cause against the former first gentleman.
