Sandiganbayan suspends Bong, aide

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MANILA — Following the plunder cases filed against him in connection with the pork barrel scam, the anti-graft court yesterday suspended Sen. Ramon Revilla Jr.  and his senior aide.

The 90-day suspension order was directed by Sandiganbayan First Division chairman, Justice Efren de la Cruz and Associate Justices Rodolfo Ponferrada and Rafael Lagos to Senate President Franklin Drilon for implementation. 

Revilla’s former chief of staff Richard Cambe was also covered by the suspension order.

Government lawyers, meanwhile, supported the order citing the Republic Act 7080 or the Plunder Law.

“Any public officer against whom any criminal prosecution under a valid information under this act, whatever stage of execution and mode of participation is pending in court, shall be suspended from office,” government lawyers said, as quoted in a Philippine Star report.

Meanwhile, a similar suspension order  was issued against Sen. Jinggoy Estrada last July 18, by the court’s Fifth Division chaired by Associate Justice Roland Jurado.

Sen. Juan Ponce Enrile also had the same order as directed by the Third Division headed by Presiding Justice Amparo Cabotaje-Tang on July 23. 

The senate is yet to implement the two suspension orders against Estrada and Enrile since separate motions for reconsideration were filed by the two senators before the Sandiganbayan.