MANILA, Philippines — Former senator Ramon “Bong” Revilla Jr. was detained Tuesday at the Quezon City Jail in Barangay Payatas as he faces a malversation case over an alleged P92.8-million ghost flood control project in Pandi, Bulacan.
 |
| Photo courtesy: Facebook/Ramon Bong Revilla, Jr. |
Revilla was placed under temporary detention at the jail’s male dormitory while awaiting the Sandiganbayan’s ruling on his request to be transferred to the Philippine National Police custodial facility at Camp Crame.
He arrived at the facility aboard a jail van under heavy escort by the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology, accompanied by his family members and legal counsel.
Briefly addressing reporters, Revilla said, “Siyempre nalulungkot kami, pero nirerespeto namin ‘yung mga institution. And ‘yun na lang muna,” expressing sadness while affirming respect for due process.
His spokesperson, Atty. Francesca Señga, raised concerns about his safety in detention, citing reports of violence in some facilities.
“You know, maybe the courts could take judicial notice that there have been a lot of gang-related activities in certain confinements – that if he would be placed there without the proper protection, he would be placed at dire risk,” Señga said.
BJMP spokesperson Jail Superintendent Jayrex Joseph Bustinera said Revilla would initially be kept separate from other inmates as part of standard health and security procedures.
“Sine-segregate muna sa general population then after pre-observation, medical test and classification, risk assessment, saka siya ihahalo,” Bustinera said, adding, “Meron po tayong medical quarantine na tinatawag.”
After the observation period, Revilla is expected to be housed with six male officials of the Department of Public Works and Highways-Mimaropa who were earlier detained in connection with another allegedly anomalous flood control project.
Bustinera emphasized that Revilla would not receive preferential treatment, saying, “Bawal at hindi puwedeng magkaroon ng VIP treatment kahit kaninong PDL man ‘yan.”
The Quezon City Jail, which currently houses more than 3,600 persons deprived of liberty, was chosen partly for its proximity to the Sandiganbayan, with Bustinera noting, “Nakapagdagdag na tayo ng empleyado… may mga additional security measures na tayo.”
Revilla surrendered to the PNP-CIDG on January 19 after the Sandiganbayan issued an arrest warrant and hold departure order, and prosecutors allege he received P76.9 million in kickbacks from the project contractor, marking his second time to face a non-bailable corruption charge.
— The Summit Express