The Sandiganbayan’s Third Division has suspended the trial of graft and malversation cases of Moro National Liberation Front founding chairman Nur Misuari in connection with the alleged anomalous purchase of P115-million “textbook scam” in 2000 to 2001.
The anti-graft court, in a minute resolution dated Dec. 6, ordered the suspension of graft and malversation trial of Misuari after it approved his motion for preliminary investigation in November.
“The motion to order preliminary investigation is granted considering that the prosecution did not object thereto, and the motion defer the scheduled arraignment is noted,” the Sandiganbayan said.
“Let the proceedings in these cases be suspended with respect to accused Nur P. Misuari only until the said preliminary investigation against him shall have been terminated,” it added.
Misuari, who served as governor of the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao, was charged with three counts each of graft and malversation by falsification for allegedly conspiring with his co-accused to give “unwarranted benefits, advantage and privilege” to three private companies.
The Ombudsman found that “no such materials were delivered” by MBJ Learning Tools, CPR Publishing, and White Orchids Printing and Publishing House.