Politics · Philippines Bureau
Tarlac lawmaker, co-accused enter not guilty pleas in graft case
A House representative from Tarlac and two other defendants pleaded not guilty Wednesday to graft and malversation charges before the Sandiganbayan. The case involves allegations related to a former Sultan Kudarat representative.
LSN Philippines ·
MANILA — Tarlac 3rd District Representative Noel Rivera and two co-accused entered not guilty pleas in their graft and malversation cases during arraignment proceedings at the Sandiganbayan Fourth Division on Wednesday.
Rivera was the first to undergo arraignment, entering a not guilty plea to one of the charges brought against him. The proceedings marked the formal response of the defendants to the accusations filed by authorities.
The cases stem from allegations involving a former Sultan Kudarat representative, though full details of the specific charges were not immediately specified. Three of the four total defendants entered their pleas during the Wednesday session.
The Sandiganbayan, the Philippines' anti-graft court, is handling the cases. Further proceedings are expected as the litigation continues through the judicial process.