Presidential hopefuls barred from speaking vs Vitangcol, MRT deal

The Sandiganbayan has issued an order prohibiting the five presidential candidates from speaking about the alleged involvement of former Metro Rail Transit 3 (MRT 3) General Manager Al Vitangcol III in an anomalous maintenance contract.

A Radyo Inquirer report on Tuesday said the Sandiganbayan Third Division released the gag order against Vice President Jejomar Binay, Davao City Mayor Rodrigo Duterte, Sen. Grace Poe, former Interior Secretary Manuel “Mar” Roxas II and Sen. Miriam Defensor Santiago.

The order was given to protect the right of Vitangcol to a fair trial, as well as protect the integrity of the antigraft court, according to Associate Justice Samuel Martires.

Vitangcol filed a “very urgent motion” last week asking the Sandiganbayan to prevent Roxas from making any statements against him in connection with the alleged anomalous MRT maintenance deal.

The former MRT chief is facing graft charges after failing to disclose his relationship with one of the companies who joined the bidding for the said contract. RC