Morato refuses to enter plea on plunder case

MANILA, Philippines—Former Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office chairman Manuel “Manoling” Morato was arraigned Monday morning at the Sandiganbayan for plunder charges against him over the alleged misuse of P366 million in PCSO intelligence funds.

Morato, who arrived at the antigraft court in a wheelchair, however refused to enter a plea, prompting the Sandiganbayan First Division to enter a not guilty plea in his behalf.

The court set the case for preliminary conference on Jan. 16, 2013.