The Sandiganbayan has denied the motion of former Albay governor Edcel Greco Alexander Lagman to consolidate the two indirect bribery charges filed against him.

Lagman has been charged with indirect bribery under Article 211 of the Revised Penal Code (RPC) for allegedly receiving gifts and “protection money” from jueteng operators.

In his motion filed last Sept. 23, Lagman sought the consolidation of the two cases as he cited Section 22, Rule 119 of the Rules of Court and 4, Rule XIII of the 2018 Revised Internal Rules of the Sandiganbayan.

He argued that the consolidation of the cases will promote their speedy disposition and serve the convenience of the parties and the interest of justice.

He also alleged that both cases were founded on the same facts and circumstances and relied on the same set of evidence.

But the prosecution told the anti-graft court there is no need to consolidate since both criminal cases are already pending and are being jointly heard by this court.

Ruling in favor of the prosecution, the Sandiganbayan said: "We agree with the prosecution that Lagman's Motions have already been rendered moot and academic by the fact that the two cases under which he stands as an accused are already being jointly heard before this court. The purpose animating the rule on consolidation had already been served by the joint hearing of the cases before this court."

The three-page resolution was written by Third Division Chairperson Associate Justice Karl B. Miranda with the concurrence of Associate Justices Ronald B. Moreno and Edgardo M. Caldona.

Last April 10, former Ombudsman officer-in-charge Dante Vargas issued a decision that dismissed Lagman from the service along with other accessory penalties.

“This Office finds that respondent (Lagman) had been animated by a corrupt motive to benefit from illegal gambling. His corrupt actions were willful and done with discernment,” Vargas said in his ruling.