Sandiganbayan Junks Enrile’s Motion on 90-day Preventive Suspension

Manila (PNA) — The anti-graft court on Friday junked the motion for reconsideration filed by Senator Juan Ponce Enrile on the 90-day preventive suspension order against him for lack of merit

In a 14-page decision handed down by Sandiganbayan Third Division, they said they see no reason at all why they need to reverse their earlier order.

In his argument, Enrile claims that only the Senate has the jurisdiction to impose suspension against him being the one of the current members of that chamber.

“Wherefore, premises considered, accused Juan Ponce Enrile’s Motion for Reconsideration dated August 5, 2014 is hereby denied for lack of merit,” the decision reads.

Enrile is facing one count of plunder and 15 counts of graft at the Sandiganbayan for allegedly pocketing P172.8 million in public funds by diverting his Priority Development Assistance Fund allocations to suspected bogus non-government organizations owned by Janet Lim Napoles.

Meanwhile, Philippine General Hospital (PGH) Director Jose Gonzales asked the court to give them more time to subject the former Senate President to more tests to determine his present condition.

“However, in view of the requested pulmonary examination, the undersigned further respectfully requests that he be given an extension of 15 days from August 26, 2014 or until September 10, 2014, within which to submit the PGH report or recommendation on the medical assessment on Sen. Enrile,” the two-page request of Dr. Gonzales reads. (PNA) LAM/SFM