Husband of Philippine president in self-imposed exile

Philippine President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo’s corruption-tainted husband left today for self-imposed exile in the US as part of the embattled leader’s efforts to distance herself from political scandals that threaten her government.

Jose Miguel “Mike” Arroyo, a lawyer from a prominent family who has been accused of influence-peddling and receiving money from illegal gambling, bid a sombre farewell to his daughter, son and granddaughter at Manila’s airport before boarding a flight to Hong Kong, from where he was to continue to his final destination in the US.

“He is sad,” his lawyer, Jesus Santos, said. “He wants to leave so the president can do her work. He feels bad. He is saddened by reports that are erroneous.”

Santos stressed Arroyo’s husband was leaving “on his volition.”

The president said earlier her husband volunteered to leave the Philippines and she was making a personal sacrifice to show her commitment to the nation.

Mike Arroyo had been thought to be starting his self-exile last week, when he flew to Hong Kong, but he returned to Manila on Sunday.

He is not facing any charges and has denied taking gambling pay-offs – the subject of a congressional inquiry. The president’s son and brother-in-law also are accused of receiving pay-offs at a time when Arroyo is facing allegations of electoral fraud.

She has admitted talking to an election official during the bitterly contested May 2004 ballot, but denied influencing the outcome.

Arroyo has said she won’t resign despite opposition street protests.

Yesterday, she said she would be willing to face an impeachment trial to prove she didn’t cheat.