Manila, Aug. 3 -- The Sandiganbayan on Monday denied for lack of merit a motion filed by prosecutors to exclude former public works secretary Manuel Bonoan from graft charges against him and Senator Jinggoy Estrada, arising from the alleged PHP213 million in kickbacks from an anomalous PHP855-million flood control project in Bulacan.

In its 12-page resolution dated Aug. 3, the anti-graft court's Second Division said allowing the prosecution to exclude Bonoan would unduly prejudice Estrada, who had already been arraigned.

Bonoan's own arraignment had been put off following health concerns.

"(S)ince accused Estrada has already been arraigned and the proposed amendment by the prosecution being substantial rather than formal in nature, th...