Unreasonable delay... amounts to a denial of justice

Court statement

The anti-corruption court is also handling the trial of the former Philippines President, Joseph Estrada.

A supreme court spokesman said the judge, Francis Garchitorena, was being given time to complete the writing of decisions on cases under his supervision.

"Unreasonable delay of a judge in resolving a case amounts to a denial of justice," the court said.

Mr Garchitorena told reporters he would appeal and seek a clarification of the decision. "It's not a topic for great rejoicing," he said.

Estrada case

The suspension followed complaints from the Philippines largest lawyer's association about delays in more than 130 cases.

Mr Estrada has been suffering from an eye infection

Mr Garchitorena said the delays were caused by a reorganisation of the anti-corruption court and by an office relocation.

He denied the problems were caused by his own laziness.

Judge Garchitorena has been presiding over one of the cases against Mr Estrada focusing on charges of perjury.

Last month, he blocked attempts by prosecutors to present allegations that the former president had lied about his cash and bank accounts.

Prosecuting lawyers said the decision in effect dismissed the case.

Mr Estrada also faces several other corruption charges including economic plunder, which carries the death penalty.