MANILA - Sen. Gregorio Honasan has asked the Sandiganbayan to allow him to travel to Hong Kong from March 15 to 18 to speak in a seminar on charter change and federalism for overseas Filipino workers.

In a travel motion, Honasan, through his lawyer Dennis Manalo, said he was invited by the Philippine Guardians Brotherhood Inc to speak in two seminars on the key reform initiatives of the administration.

Honasan must seek court permission to travel as he is currently facing two counts of graft for the alleged misuse of his P30-million Priority Development Assistance Fund (PDAF) in 2012 through a project with the National Commission on Muslim Filipinos.

The lawmaker was charged in August last year and posted bail on the same month. He has maintained innocence.

• Honasan charged with graft over PDAF

In a motion submitted to the anti-graft court, Honasan's camp said he was invited to speak as "special guest of honor and main speaker" at the seminar set to be held on March 16 and 17.

It cited his "duties as a national legislator," including "the dissemination of his legislative policies and opinions about current national and international issues."

Manalo said in the motion that Honasan is willing to post a travel bond to be determined by the court.

“He is prepared to report to this Honorable Court within five days upon his return from abroad,” Manalo said.