Sandigan scolds gov’t prosecutors in ‘pork’ scam case over ‘delays’

INQUIRER FILE PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines–The Sandiganbayan Third Division gave the government prosecutors a dressing down for causing “unnecessary delays” in the court proceedings in connection with the pork barrel scam case.

During Friday’s hearing on Janet Lim Napoles’ petition for bail, her counsels reminded the prosecutors of the photo copies of documents that they will use as guide for cross examining the government witness.

The prosecutor said they were still in the process of photocopying the documents.

“To avoid unnecessary delays, prepare the documents beforehand. I am sure you had those documents days before the actual hearing,” Presiding Justice Amparo Cabotaje-Tang said.

“You are wasting the court’s time,” Associate Justice Alex Quiroz added.

The prosecutors also asked if they could wait for the petitions for bail of Senator Juan Ponce Enrile and his former chief of staff Atty. Jessica “Gigi” Reyes before the continuation of the bail hearing.

“It will not be prudent for the court to wait for pleadings that will never come,” Associate Justice Samuel Martires said.