Sandigan blocks Revilla’s transfer plea to PNP

The Sandiganbayan Third Division has denied the request of detained former Senator Ramon “Bong” Revilla to be held at the Philippine National Police Custodial Center in Camp Crame, ruling there was no basis to justify a transfer from a Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP) facility.

The anti-graft court issued the denial during a hearing on Revilla’s malversation case involving an alleged P92.8-million ghost flood control project in Bulacan.

In a 30-page resolution dated 5 February, the Sandiganbayan said the Quezon City Jail Male Dormitory on Payatas Road and the Female Dormitory at Camp Tomas B. Karingal in Barangay Sikatuna Village, Quezon City, are the designated detention facilities for individuals implicated in the flood control scandal.

It said both facilities are “well prepared” for the anticipated influx of suspects facing cases linked to the flood control controversy. It added that the facilities have a negative congestion rate and are capable of accommodating Revilla while he undergoes trial.

The court noted that the two jails are the nearest BJMP facilities to the Sandiganbayan, a factor considered in determining appropriate custody.

Justices said they conducted an inspection of the detention facilities on 23 January 2026. With regard to the male dormitory, the court said it was satisfied that existing security measures are sufficient for the safekeeping of Revilla and other accused persons.

“From the foregoing, there is no basis for Revilla’s claims of harm, harassment, and threat to his person that would warrant a transfer of his custody to any PNP custodial facility. After due consideration, the court denies the motions to transfer the commitments of Revilla and former DPWH Bulacan First District Engineering Office Engr. Emelita Juat to a PNP custodial facility,” the resolution read.

Juat is among Revilla’s six co-accused in the malversation case tied to the alleged ghost project in Pandi, Bulacan.

Revilla’s lead counsel, Atty. Ramon Esguerra, said the defense is still considering its legal options.