Rowegie Abanto

Article (news)

COURT-GAVEL

Kaxandra Salonga

ABS-CBN News

<p>MANILA — Presiding Justice Geraldine Econg on Tuesday called out Tarlac 3rd District Rep. Noel &quot;Bong&quot; Rivera over the jeans he wore during a court proceeding before the Sandiganbayan&#x27;s Second Division.</p><p>&quot;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?&quot; Econg told Rivera.</p><p>Under Supreme Court Administrative Circular No. 10-99, litigants, lawyers and members of the public appearing before courts are required to adhere to a dress code that prohibits informal attire, including jeans, t-shirts and casual footwear, to uphold the dignity of judicial proceedings.</p><p>Rivera, who was scheduled to be arraigned on graft charges before the court’s Second Division, apologized to the presiding judge.</p><div> </div><div><strong>OMNIBUS MOTIONS</strong></div><p> His arraignment was reset to Aug. 18 pending the resolution of his omnibus motions.</p><p>Rivera filed motions to quash the information charging him with graft, arguing the facts alleged in the criminal information sheet do not constitute a violation under the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act.</p><p>He also filed motions to consolidate the cases pending before six separate divisions and to suspend his arraignment until the motions are resolved.</p><p>The congressman earlier posted a P90,000 bail for each of his nine counts of graft charges over alleged conflict of interest in infrastructure projects.</p><p>The anti-graft court confirmed that his bail was posted Monday, when it was operating on a skeleton workforce amid heavy rains brought by the southwest monsoon, or Habagat.</p><div><br/></div><div><strong>ALLEGED CONFLICT OF INTEREST</strong></div><p>The Office of the Ombudsman previously said Rivera’s case involves a company believed to be owned by him that had won multiple government contracts.</p><p>Rivera allegedly owns Tarlac 3-G Construction &amp; Development Corporation with his wife, Concepcion Vice Mayor Evelyn Rivera.</p><p>Pyra Lucas, founder of United Pilipino Against Crime and Corruption, earlier filed raps against the Rivera couple for allegedly conspiring to channel around P600 million in government contracts to a company they allegedly own.</p><p>She also alleged that Rivera was a signatory to at least 30 government contracts awarded to the company since 2018.</p><p>Rivera is also set to be arraigned before the court&#x27;s Sixth Division on August 20.</p>

<p>Presiding Justice Geraldine Econg on Tuesday called out Tarlac 3rd District Rep. Noel "Bong" Rivera over the jeans he wore during a court proceeding before the Sandiganbayan's Second Division.</p>

Presiding Justice Geraldine Econg on Tuesday called out Tarlac 3rd District Rep. Noel "Bong" Rivera over the jeans he wore during a court proceeding before the Sandiganbayan's Second Division.

'You do not respect the court?' Sandiganbayan judge scolds lawmaker for wearing jeans to court

News

Entertainment

Lifestyle

Sports

Metro.Style

More

BINI

Sudoku

Word of the Day

Lotto

Horoscope

Nation

'You do not respect the court?' Sandiganbayan judge scolds lawmaker for wearing jeans to court

Kaxandra Salonga,

ABS-CBN News

Published August 11, 2026 05:07 PM PHT

Read More:

Sandiganbayan

Noel Rivera

ABS-CBN Newsletter

Your go-to source for the latest news, entertainment highlights, exclusive interviews, and updates on your favorite Kapamilya stars.

ABS-CBN Newsletter

Your go-to source for the latest news, entertainment highlights, exclusive interviews, and updates on your favorite Kapamilya stars.

Sign Up

I have read and agree to the Terms and Privacy Policy.

Haven't received our newsletter?

Check your inbox to verify and confirm your subscription.

ABS-CBN is the leading media and entertainment company in the Philippines, offering quality content across TV, radio, digital, and film. Committed to public service and promoting Filipino values, ABS-CBN continues to inspire and connect audiences worldwide.

Corporate

Investors

Governance

International Distribution

Corporate

Governance

Investors

International Distribution

NPC Seal of Registration

Privacy Policy

AI Policy

Terms of Service

Advertise with Us

© 2026 ABS-CBN Corporation. All Rights Reserved.

NPC Seal of Registration

Privacy Policy

Terms of Service

AI Policy

Advertise with Us

© 2026 ABS-CBN Corporation. All Rights Reserved.

NPC Seal of Registration

Privacy Policy

Terms of Service

AI Policy

Advertise with Us

© 2026 ABS-CBN Corporation. All Rights Reserved.