Former Representative Defensor and escorts figure in a scuffle after hearing

Tension flared between former lawmaker Mike Defensor and Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP) personnel after he was prevented from speaking to reporters after a Sandiganbayan hearing.

Defensor, a co-accused of Senator Rodante Marcoleta in the case, emerged from the courtroom with fists raised. A tussle ensued after Defensor attempted to approach members of the media, but was prevented by BJMP officials.

Visibly irked, Defensor told reporters that it was the second time he had been "raided" by BJMP personnel, although it was not immediately clear what he meant by the remark.

The incident took place after the Sandiganbayan Third Division completed the pretrial proceedings in the plunder case involving Marcoleta, Defensor and two businessmen over the alleged nondisclosure of P75 million in campaign donations.

The court has scheduled the start of bail hearings for September 3.

During the pretrial, the prosecution and defense marked pieces of evidence, stipulated on facts and identified witnesses they intend to present during the trial.

The Third Division said the prosecution would be given the opportunity during the bail proceedings to establish that the evidence of guilt against the accused is strong, a requirement in cases involving offenses punishable by reclusion perpetua, or life imprisonment.

Marcoleta and his co-accused have denied the allegations.