Metro Manila (CNN Philippines) — Valenzuela Representative Weslie Gatchalian is asking the Sandiganbayan for permission to travel abroad, as part of President Duterte’s entourage in an upcoming trip to China.
In a motion filed before the Sandiganbayan Fourth Division, Gatchalian says House Speaker Pantaleon Alvares had already authorized his travel — as a country delegate for a trade mission of the Bases Conversion Development Authority.
The trip is scheduled from October 18-22, 2016.
“As part of the President’s entourage, Cong. Gatchalian will assist and advise the President during his discussions with Chinese delegates, on matters of economic, political, and trade relations,” said in the motion filed on October 6, 2016.
Gatchalian is joining the trip in his capacity as the chairman of the Commission on Appointments Committee on Trade and Industry.
Gatchalian did not include his itinerary in the motion, and explained that Malacañang has yet to finalize the details of their trip.
“Cong. Gatchalian undertakes to inform this Honorable Court of his flight details and the exact address of his accommodations in China as soon possible,” the motion read.
Gatchalian, along with brothers Sherwin and Kenneth, and their parents, face graft and malversation charges over the alleged anomalous purchase of a thrift bank in 2009.
The case stems from the acquisition of Express Savings Bank Inc., by the LWUA (Local Water Utilities Administration). Express Savings Bank, Inc., is a local thrift bank based in Laguna and owned by the Gatchalian family, Wellex Group Inc., and Forum Pacific Inc Corp.
The Ombudsman says the deal resulted in losses to the government worth ₱80 million.
