The Sandiganbayan has again postponed the arraignment of Senator Jinggoy Estrada on graft and plunder charges, resetting the proceedings to June 30.
The Sandiganbayan Fifth Division also deferred the arraignment of former Department of Public Works and Highways Secretary Manuel Bonoan, who is facing similar charges, pending the resolution of several motions filed by both accused.
The court gave the prosecution ten days to comment on the motions filed by Estrada and Bonoan.
Bonoan’s legal team was also ordered to submit his medical certificate after he failed to appear for the scheduled arraignment. His lawyer said doctors have yet to provide the Philippine National Police with an updated report on his condition.
Bonoan earlier sought hospital arrest after reportedly suffering from hypertension.
Meanwhile, Estrada’s camp withdrew its motion to set bail and its request to transfer the senator to Camp Crame.
Estrada’s lawyer told the court that they want the Sandiganbayan to first resolve their motion to quash the information filed by the Office of the Ombudsman before taking up other matters in the case.
Their co-accused, DPWH-NCR Assistant District Engineer Denryl Cortuna and District Engineers Manny Bulusan and Arturo Gonzales, entered not guilty pleas to the graft and plunder charges against them.