Philippine President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo's husband Jose Miguel "Mike" Arroyo is set to go abroad again after returning from a four-day stay in Hong Kong, a local TV reported Monday.

Citing the reports from the presidential palace, the First Gentleman is scheduled to leave Manila "soon" for an unidentified destination.

Following President Arroyo's husband arrival on Sunday night with his youngest son's family, the government released a statement, denying that the First Gentleman was on self-exile.

"First Gentleman was not avoiding any responsibility, if, indeed, he has any responsibility to account for," Presidential Spokesman Ignacio Bunye said.

"The decision of the First Gentleman (to stay abroad) is a tremendous sacrifice for himself and for his family. But the (Arroyo family) is doing this in hopes of easing the political tension," he added.

Mr. Arroyo went abroad amid renewed calls for President Arroyo to step down from office due to election fraud charges.

The First Family was also haunted by scandal that they have been benefiting from illegal gambling "Jueteng."

Source: Xinhua