MANILA, Philippines (UPDATED) - The Sandiganbayan Third Division on Friday suspended Senate Minority Leader Juan Ponce Enrile, who is facing corruption charges in connection with the multi-billion pork barrel fund scam.
In a resolution, the Third Division suspended Enrile for 90 days. Enrile is facing plunder and graft charges along with his former chief of staff Gigi Reyes.
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| Sen Juan Ponce Enrile, nalibang sa Bejewelled sa kanyang iPad Mini noong campaign period. Level 271 na sya. Kuha ni Nimfa Ravelo/ DZBB. |
The court gave weight to the request of government prosecutors to have the senator suspended to prevent his office from influencing witnesses or tampering with documentary evidence to be presented during the trial of the cases.
"It is presumed that unless accused is suspended and prevented from discharging official acts, he may frustrate his prosecution and commit further acts of malfeasance," the prosecution team's motion read.
The tribunal's 5th Division had also ordered a 90-day preventive suspension on Senator Ramon Revilla Jr., who is also facing plunder and graft cases.
Government prosecutors have also asked for the suspension of Sen. Jinggoy Estrada.
The three senators are currently being held at the Philippine National Police national headquarters in Camp Crame. Reyes, meanwhile, is detained at Camp Bagong Diwa in Bicutan, Taguig City.- Dennis Carcamo - philtar
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