MANILA, Philippines (UPDATE) - The Sandiganbayan Fourth Division on Friday ordered Presidential Adviser on Environmental Protection Nereus Acosta placed under 90-day preventive suspension for alleged misuse of his pork barrel funds when he was still congressman of Bukidnon.

Acosta, a member of President Aquino's political party, was sued by anti-corruption group Bukidnon Crusade Against Graft and Corruption for allegedly using his pork barrel funds to give a P2.5-million solar tunnel dryer to the municipal government of Manolo Fortich in 2001 when his mother, Socorro, was still mayor.

Another P2.5 million was reportedly also transferred to the Bukidnon Integrated Network of Home Industries (BINHI) Inc., a private cooperative, and P5.5 million to Bukidnon Vegetable Producers Cooperative (BVPC), also a private entity.  Mayor Acosta was supposedly a member and director of BVPC while Acosta's aunt, Ma. Nemia Bornidor, was a member of the board of BINHI.

Speaking to ANC, Acosta said the graft complaint is a 10-year-old issue that dates all the way back when he was still Bukidnon congressman.

He added that he will respect the order of the court and will not challenge it. He said he does not want the Laguna Lake Development Authority and the Office of the President affected by the case.

"As all public officers, we should always be accountable at all times. If this is what the court says should be done, a 90-day preventive suspension, the rule of law should prevail. I will continue to do what I can but not in an official capacity," he said.

"I don't know yet exactly what I am prohibited from doing but I abide by this order as all public officers should," he added.