Revilla to join general inmate population, no special treatment

Former senator Ramon Bong Revilla Jr. will be placed in the general population of inmates at a detention facility to be chosen by the Sandiganbayan, Interior and Local Government Secretary Jonvic Remulla said Tuesday.

Speaking to reporters before Revilla was transported by the Philippine National Police to the graft court, Remulla said the former lawmaker will not receive special treatment and will be detained at a facility deemed appropriate by the Sandiganbayan justices.

“No special treatment,” Remulla said, adding that precautionary measures are already in place depending on where the court orders Revilla to be held.

Remulla noted that the PNP custodial center is currently under repair, leaving the Sandiganbayan to choose from possible detention sites, including the Quezon City Jail in Payatas, police detention facilities in Bicutan, or other Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP) facilities.

The DILG chief said Revilla, whom he described as a longtime personal friend since the 1980s, contacted him after the Sandiganbayan issued an electronic warrant of arrest related to alleged anomalies in flood control projects.

“Duty calls. I advised him it was best to surrender,” Remulla said.

Revilla surrendered to the PNP on Monday night, accompanied by his wife and children. Remulla added that the former senator also turned over more than 20 firearms upon his surrender.