The Sandiganbayan building in Quezon City, February 19, 2020. Jonathan Cellona, ABS-CBN News/File
MANILA — The Sandiganbayan ordered the 90-day preventive suspension of Tarlac Third District Rep. Noel Rivera as he faces graft cases over alleged conflict of interest in infrastructure projects.
The resolution was promulgated by the court’s Sixth Division on Tuesday, Sept. 29.
Rivera earlier argued that the facts alleged in the criminal information "do not charge an offense because they are bereft of allegations showing the acts constituting his intervention".
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He also said that the malfeasance sought to be prevented by suspension "has been eliminated by his divestment of his interest in Tarlac 3-G Construction and Development Corporation."
The Office of the Ombudsman alleged that Rivera had financial interests in nine government infrastructure projects awarded to Tarlac 3-G Corporation and Development Corp. during his term as congressman from 2022 to 2025.
He reportedly owned 54.8 percent of the firm’s shares, while his wife owned 45 percent.
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Rivera also argued that his suspension would deprive his constituents of representation in the House of Representatives.
However, the court said Rivera had already been given the opportunity to challenge the validity of the charges through his motions to quash, which it denied on Sept. 9 for lack of merit.
It added that Rivera’s arguments against suspension merely reiterated those raised in his previously denied bid and that all legal requirements for suspension had been satisfied.
“In fine, the requisites for suspension under Sec. 13 of Republic Act No. 3019 have been met. The Court must order the suspension of accused Rivera,” the resolution read.
A copy of the resolution was furnished to the current House Speaker for immediate implementation, said the court chaired by Associate Justice Sarah Fernandez.
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