Sandiganbayan defers Morato's arraignment

MANILA, Philippines - The Sandiganbayan on Thursday deferred the arraignment of former Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office chairman Manoling Morato for the multi-million PCSO fund mess.

A radio report said the anti-graft court rescheduled the arraignment of Morato to Dec. 3.

Morato, who was supposed to be arraigned this morning, was wheeled in to the courtroom and was wearing a face mask, the report said.

Morato, who recently underwent a heart bypass, did not grant any interview to members of the media after leaving the courtroom, the report added.

The Supreme Court reportedly granted Morato's petition for certiorari his lawyers filed Wednesday.

Morato is one of the co-accused of the former President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo in the case.