Sandiganbayan urges gov’t prosecutor to shape up, ‘do their best’
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MANILA, Philippines–“You are expected to do your best,” a Sandiganbayan Associate Justice told a government prosecutor at a hearing on the government’s bid to suspend from office Senator Jinggoy Estrada who is charged with plunder on the pork barrel scam.
During Friday’s hearing, Estrada’s camp asked the government prosecutors on the number of witnesses they will present during Estrada’s bail hearing.
“As of now, we couldn’t say how many witnesses we are going to present…But let me assure you that we will not be instrumental in the delay. We will do our best,” Director Danilo Lopez of the Office of Special Prosecutor said.
“You are expected to do your best,” Associate Justice Alex Gesmundo said.
The Justices also asked why they are only asking for the suspension of Estrada only when there are other co-accused who are government officials.
Article continues after this advertisement“We are still checking if the other co-accused are incumbent officials,” the special prosecutor said.
Article continues after this advertisement“You don’t even know if all these accused are incumbent or not,” Justice Gesmundo said.
Fifth Division chairman Roland Jurado told the prosecutors that they do not want piecemeal motions for the senator’s suspension.
In seeking Estrada’s suspension, the prosecutors cited the Plunder Law which states that, “any public officer against whom any criminal prosecution under a valid information under this act shall be suspended from office…”
Like in Estrada’s case, government prosecutors also sought the suspension of Ramon “Bong” Revilla Jr. and Senate’s director III Richard Cambe.
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