Sandiganbayan justice scolds Tarlac Rep. Noel Rivera over shirt, jeans at hearing

A Sandiganbayan judge on Tuesday scolded Tarlac 3rd District Rep. Noel “Bong” Rivera for attending his court hearing in a shirt and jeans.

Rivera is one of the alleged “cong-tractor” involved in the multi-billion flood control scam, where lawmakers, officials, and contractors reportedly schemed to funnel public funds into ghost infrastructure projects.

According to Glen Juego's report on DZBB, Sandiganbayan Presiding Justice Geraldine Econg told Rivera, "For a congressman to appear like that in court, you do not respect the court? Do you want to appear many times so you will know how to dress properly?"

GMA News Online is trying to get Rivera's comment and will publish it as soon as it is available.

Rivera’s camp said that the arraignment did not push through and was reset to August 18.

The lawmaker is currently facing nine counts of graft against Rivera, alleging that he had a conflict of interest.

Rivera’s case is among the seventh batch of charges filed against personalities tagged in the flood control scam since Remulla assumed his post. –Jean Mangaluz/NB, GMA News