Manila: The Supreme Court has issued a temporary restraining order (TRO) in favor of former Cebu City Administrator Floro Casas Jr. who is facing graft and malversation charges over a PHP239 million garbage hauling anomaly. "In G.R. No. E-03494 (Floro Q. Casas, Jr. v. The Office of the Ombudsman et al), we confirm that a TRO has been issued," SC spokesperson Camille Ting said in a message to reporters Wednesday. The TRO, dated Dec. 12, enjoined the Sandiganbayan from proceeding with the case 'until further orders' from the SC.
According to Philippines News Agency, in February, the Office of the Ombudsman found probable cause to charge Casas and seven others for violation of the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act and malversation of public funds. In October, the Ombudsman denied Casas' partial motion for reconsideration. This prompted Casas to file the petition for certiorari before the SC 'with urgent prayer for the issuance of a temporary restraining order and/or writ of preliminary injunction' against the Ombudsman resolution.
In its order, the SC said Casas' petition is still undergoing evaluation despite the grant of the TRO. It also ordered the Ombudsman to comment within 10 days from notice.
