Sandigan suspends Aquino environment adviser for 90 days

Friday, February 3, 2012

THE anti-graft court Sandiganbayan placed Presidential Adviser on Environmental Protection Nereus Acosta on a 90-day preventive suspension for alleged misuse of his "pork barrel" funds.

Acosta who is also the administrator of the Laguna Lake Development Authority said Friday he hasn't received a copy of the order issued by the Sandiganbayan Fourth Division.

A group calling themselves Bukidnon Crusade Against Graft and Corruption sued Acosta, a former representative of Bukidnon in the House of Representatives, for graft for alleged fraudulent handling of his Priority Development Assistance Fund amounting to P2.5 million.

The amount was used for Acosta's solar tunnel dryer project in the town of Manolo Fortich.

Also indicted in the case are his mother, Socorro, who is the town’s former mayor and his aunt Ma. Nemia Bornidor.

Acosta told ANC he will not contest the order of the graft court but he said, "I will continue to do what I can" while away from his office for 90 days.

He said he will find out what the court order prohibits him to do as head of a government during the duration of his suspension. (Sunnex)