Sandiganbayan denies Pharmally exec travel abroad due to flight risk

The Sandiganbayan has denied Pharmally Pharmaceutical executive Mohit Dargani's request to travel abroad, citing a lack of merit amid a pending graft charge against him.

Dargani, Pharmally's treasurer and secretary, sought permission for an 18-day trip to Spain, Germany, and Thailand for a medical checkup, visiting relatives, and attending a wedding and a medical trade fair.

The anti-graft court ruled that Dargani's planned trips abroad make him a flight risk, particularly due to his dual Filipino-Spanish citizenship, which would allow him to easily travel across many countries without visa impediments.

The Sandiganbayan emphasized that this dual citizenship presents a heightened flight risk, potentially complicating or frustrating extradition procedures if he fails to return.

The court also distinguished Dargani's case from a previous Supreme Court decision, noting that the accused in that case was not a dual citizen.

Dargani is facing a graft charge concerning the alleged overpriced P4.4 billion purchase of medical supplies from Pharmally by the Department of Health during the COVID-19 pandemic.