House ordered to explain action on GMA suspension order

MANILA, Philippines - The House of Representatives was told to explain why the Sandiganbayan has not been informed on the action taken on the suspension order issued against Pampanga Rep. Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo. 

Justices said the 90-day preventive suspension order should have been implemented by now. 

The Sandiganbayan issued the suspension order on June 26, 2014 in relation to the national broadband network (NBN) deal graft case.

“Wherefore, accused (Arroyo) is ordered suspended from office pendite lite (pending trial) and said accused is hereby directed to cease and desist from performing and or exercising the functions and duties, as well as receiving and or enjoying the salaries, benefits, and privileges of her present public position or any other public office or position she may now or hereafter be holding, effective upon notice hereof and continuing for a period of 90 days,” read the suspension order.

“The Honorable Speaker of the House of Representatives shall enforce the suspension order,” the order read, with “Ombudsman prosecutors citing mandatory provisions of the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act. 

But two months since the preventive suspension order was  issued, the House is yet to inform the Sandiganbayan of the action.

The Sandiganbayan said the Speaker or his duly authorized representative is hereby directed to “explain to this Court in writing within 10 days from notice why until now he has not advised this Court of the action he has taken to enforce the suspension order issued in these cases against accused Ma. Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo.”