'Gov't has no choice but to help US laundering probe on Mikey'

MANILA, Philippines - The Philippine government does not have a choice but to help the United States in investigating Ang Galing Pinoy party-list Rep. Juan Miguel “Mikey” Arroyo and his wife Ma. Angela for alleged money laundering, Malacañang said yesterday.

Deputy presidential spokesperson Abigail Valte said details of the investigation, such as the assistance requested by the US and the nature of the case, were confidential and that the Department of Justice (DOJ) would handle the issue.

“Let me stress that the Philippine government is bound to render assistance under the Mutual Legal Assistance Treaty (MLAT),” Valte said.

Justice Secretary Leila de Lima also did not say whether the probe has anything to do with the couple’s properties in the US.

“The probe involving Mikey and Angela Arroyo is being conducted by US authorities. What is requested from us is simply assistance under the MLAT,” De Lima explained.

The Arroyo couple is facing a P73.85-million tax evasion case in the Philippines. However, they have been allowed to fly to and from the US despite the case.

In April 2011, the US turned over to the Philippine government a check for $132,000 representing proceeds from the sale of real estate owned by former military comptroller Jacinto Ligot and his wife Erlinda in Buena Park, California.

US Ambassador Harry Thomas Jr. handed the check to De Lima in fulfillment of the request made by the Philippine government in 2009 under the MLAT between the two countries.

It was the first time a foreign government returned to the Philippines proceeds of ill-gotten wealth abroad through the MLAT.

“This is to show the benefit of the MLAT we have with the Philippines, the confidence that the US government places in the Aquino administration, in particular, Secretary De Lima, and that the funds will be returned to the treasury for the benefit of the Filipino people,” Thomas said.

Thomas said he was hopeful the case was just the first of many where the US government would be able to cooperate with the Philippine government through the MLAT.

Thomas also lauded the Philippine government “for fulfilling the pledge to end corruption.”

De Lima signed the receipt of delivery of the check from Thomas and announced the amount would be turned over to the national treasury.

“We are grateful for the assistance of the United States in this matter, and we, in the DOJ, are very pleased and honored by the trust and confidence they have manifested in turning over this amount to us. It is such a proud moment for us to be able to return to the national coffers a part of what has been plundered from it,” she said.