Sandiganbayan: No consolidated trial for NBN/ZTE graft cases of Neri, Abalos

The Sandiganbayan Fourth Divison has denied the consolidation of the graft cases against former Commission on Elections chairman Benjamin Abalos Sr. and former Socioeconomic Planning Secretary Romulo Neri, saying it would be unfair to both defendants. Both cases stem from the controversial 2007 NBN-ZTE deal, with Neri’s case pending before the Sandiganbayan’s Fifth Division and Abalos’ lodged with the Fourth Division. Neri had objected to a joint trial, saying it would be an “abomination” and prejudicial to his rights. He further pointed out that with his having testified against Abalos before the Senate, a consolidated trial for their cases would serve to confuse and disrupt proceedings. In its three-page resolution issued Oct. 19, the graft court agreed.   “Accused Neri’s contention is well-taken. Fundamental is the rule, anchored on the principles of fair play and due process, that an accused is entitled to nothing less than the cold neutrality of an impartial judge. This Court would not want accused Neri to entertain any doubt in his mind that such formed opinions might impact on the proper disposition of the Neri case,” the resolution stated.   The court also noted that the Abalos trial is at a more advanced stage than the Neri one, and a consolidation of the two would cause a delay in the proceedings. — BM, GMA News