Sandigan ready to stop Dichaves trial

MANILA, Philippines - The Sandiganbayan is ready to comply with a Supreme Court order (SC) stopping the trial for plunder of businessman Jaime Dichaves.

Ma. Teresa  Pabulayan, Sandiganbayan Special Division clerk of court, said they will stop the proceedings if they receive an order from the SC.  

Dichaves is scheduled to be arraigned on July 26.

The Office of the Ombudsman  will also comply with a temporary restraining order.

Dichaves was charged in court along with former President Joseph Estrada in 2001.

However, he was never tried because he had left the country before being charged in court.

Last year, Dichaves through his lawyers filed a motion for reinvestigation and the lifting of the warrant of arrest against him.

The Sandiganbayan granted the motion, and Dichaves was able to return to the country without being arrested while the Office of the Ombudsman conducted a reinvestigation.

Dichaves questioned the finding of probable cause before the SC after the anti-graft agency ruled that he should be charged and tried for plunder.