DE LIMA EYES WATCHLIST FOR MIKE ARROYO

EMBATTLED former First Gentleman Jose Miguel Arroyo has been placed on the
government's watchlist, justice secrertary Leila De Lima announced yesterday.

Arroyo is n the watchlist of the Bureau of Immigration (BI) in
connection to anomalies over Philippine National Police’s
purchase of helicopters in 2009.

“I am inclined to issue a watchlist order (against Mr. Arroyo),” Sec.
Leila de Lima told reporters in an chance interview.

De Lima said she has directed her legal staff to already draft the
watchlist order, which was reportedly sought by the Senate President
Pro-Tempore Jose "Jinggoy" Estrada.

She said the order would be issued upon official receipt of the request.

Sen. Joseph Estrada asked Malacañang and the DOJ to place him in the BI
watchlist after Lion Air president Archibald Legaspi Po confirmed
during Senate blue ribbon committee hearing last Tuesday that Mr.
Arroyo was the previous owner of the two R44 Raven I choppers that
were sold as brand new to the PNP in 2009.

While on watchlist, Mr. Arroyo needs to ask for clearance from the DOJ
before he could leave the country.

The former first gentleman allegedly owned the controversial used
multi-million peso helicopters that were sold as brand new to the PNP
in 2009.###