Sandiganbayan suspension orders for Estrada, Marcoleta held pending motions

MANILA — The Sandiganbayan has issued suspension orders against Senators Jinggoy Estrada and Rodante Marcoleta, though the orders will remain in abeyance pending the outcome of their motions for reconsideration, Senate President Sherwin Gatchalian said.

Gatchalian confirmed that the Senate received the suspension orders from the anti-graft court. The move comes as the two lawmakers challenge the suspension through legal motions that are still under review.

The suspension orders target the two senators in connection with graft-related cases being heard before the Sandiganbayan. The exact charges and details surrounding the cases remain under judicial process.

Under the arrangement, the senators' suspension from office will not take effect unless and until the anti-graft court issues a final ruling on their motions for reconsideration. This provides the lawmakers an opportunity to present additional arguments before the court makes a final determination on whether the suspension should proceed.