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.