MANILA, Philippines – Senator Juan Ponce Enrile remained under hospital arrest Tuesday, August 18, because the Sandiganbayan has yet to receive the Supreme Court’s order allowing him to post bail.

“We have to wait for the release of the official copy before we can actually post bail. As of now, we are still waiting,” Joseph Sagandoy Jr, one of Enrile’s lawyers, told Rappler via text message. Court hours closed at 5pm.

The High Court, voting 8-4, granted Enrile’s petition for temporary liberty, overturning a Sandiganbayan decision that initially refused to grant him bail. He faces plunder and 15 counts of graft before the anti-graft court in connection with the pork barrel scam. (READ: Timeline: Enrile and the pork barrel scam)

What could delay the release of the 91-year-old senator, who is detained at the Camp Crame general hospital, is the fact that Wednesday, August 19, is also Quezon City Day, a holiday. The Sandiganbayan holds office in Quezon City.

Sandiganbayan Presiding Justice Amparo Cabotaje-Tang told Rappler that while they are unsure if the SC will indeed issue its resolution by Wednesday, “we will be in the office tomorrow just in case it is served on the court.”

Lawyer Dennis Pulma, clerk of court at the Sandiganbayan’s 3rd division, said that some personnel from their 3rd division, Docket Station, Sheriff’s Office, and Cashier will report for work on Wednesday if needed.

“As far as the 3rd division is concerned, we are only awaiting for the official copy,” said Pulma.

“Once we receive an official copy of the said resolution pertaining to the grant of Senator Enrile’s bail, then the 3rd division will issue an order addressed to the CIDG (Criminal Investigation and Detection Group), the PNP (Philippine National Police), the PNP hospital, or the custodian of Senator Enrile to bring him over for the posting of bail,” he added.

According to Pulma, they will require the physical presence of the accused who is going to post bail. Enrile will then be asked to fill up some forms, submit his mugshots, and provide his payment for the bail.

“Thereafter, we will bring him to the office of the presiding justice. The presiding justice herself will approve the said bail. Then after that, the office of the clerk of court will prepare for the release of [Senator Enrile],” said Pulma, who will be signing Enrile’s release order. – Rappler.com