The Sandiganbayan has denied the request of Pharmally Pharmaceutical Corporation official Mohit Dargani to travel abroad while facing graft charges over the alleged overpriced sale of COVID-19 medical supplies.
In its resolution, the Fifth Division of the Sandiganbayan questioned the necessity of Dargani’s proposed 18-day trip to Spain, Germany, and Thailand, noting that his stated reasons could be done remotely or were merely personal in nature.
Dargani had asked permission to travel from November 10 to 29 for a routine medical check-up, to visit family, attend a cousin’s wedding, and participate in a trade fair and business meeting overseas.
The court ruled that these reasons were insufficient to counter the risk of flight, especially given the seriousness of the graft case he is facing.
The Sandiganbayan emphasized that Dargani’s possession of both Filipino and Spanish passports increases the likelihood of escape should he be allowed to leave the country.
Pharmally became controversial during the COVID-19 pandemic after being awarded billions of pesos worth of government contracts for medical supplies, despite questions about its financial capacity and alleged overpricing.
Senate investigations revealed that Pharmally officials, including Dargani, were linked to irregularities in the procurement of face masks, face shields, and testing kits, sparking public outrage and calls for accountability.
The court’s decision underscores the continuing legal scrutiny of Pharmally executives as part of the broader effort to address alleged corruption during the pandemic response.