Ex-lawmaker in ‘pork’ scam refuses to enter plea

MANILA, Philippines - A former lawmaker facing plunder charges linked to the pork barrel fund scam refused yesterday to enter a plea before the Sandiganbayan.

Fifth Division chairman Associate Justice Roland Jurado entered a not guilty plea for Edgar Valdez in   accordance with the Rules of Court.

Valdez is accused of pocketing over P57.7 million in public funds.

He was arrested last month after the Office of the Ombudsman indicted him for plunder.

Valdez is detained at the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP) in Camp Bagong Diwa in Taguig.

The Sandiganbayan has denied Valdez’s request to be detained at the Philippine National Police (PNP) custodial center in Camp Crame.