Erap trial suspended anew due to Sandigan panel vacancy

Does this make Erap a prisoner of love?

Ousted President Joseph Estrada’s scheduled trial next week has been postponed to Feb. 14, Valentine’s Day.

The trial was suspended again after Justice Edilberto Sandoval, a member of the special division, had inhibited himself on motion of the defense panel.

Sandiganbayan Presiding Justice Teresita Leonardo-de Castro, who also heads the special division, has yet to name the replacement for Sandoval.

Estrada’s Monday and Wednesday trial this week was also suspended to accommodate a Supreme Court order that Sandoval remain as a member of the special division, which was created to try the ousted president on plunder and perjury charges.

Former senator Rene Saguisag, Estrada’s lead counsel, thanked Sandoval for deciding to inhibit himself from the case despite a Supreme Court order that he take part in the trial.

"We welcome it and thank him for it and hope that the SC will not compel him to continue in this proceeding," he said.

Sandoval said his decision was for the "peace of mind of Estrada and to fully enhance the effective administration of justice" so as not to unduly delay the trial.

Last month, Sandoval announced in open court that he was quitting the special division after he failed to be named Sandiganbayan presiding justice, but the Supreme Court ordered him to return and continue presiding over Estrada’s trial.

The 63-year-old Sandoval said he was resigning because of his failing health.

He was the lone dissenter in the special division ruling to allow the house arrest of Estrada and his subsequent medical furlough in Hong Kong.