Sandigan sets new pre-trial for Enrile

MANILA, Philippines - The Sandiganbayan, scheduling another pre-trial hearing on Sept. 10, has refused to allow further delays in the plunder case of detained Sen. Juan Ponce Enrile in relation to the pork barrel fund scam.

In a ruling yesterday, the anti-graft court’s Third Division noted that since no temporary restraining order has been issued by the Supreme Court, the proceedings of the case should continue.

The Sandiganbayan rejected Enrile’s request that they be allowed not to participate in the marking of evidence during the preliminary conference stage considering that the High Tribunal has yet to act on his petition for a bill of particulars.

Enrile, his former chief of staff Jessica “Gigi” Reyes, and alleged pork barrel fund scam mastermind Janet Lim Napoles are expected to again be required to attend the Sept. 10 pre-trial hearing.

All three were forced to appear before the anti-graft court last week after the Sandiganbayan issued produce orders addressed to their custodians.