The Sandiganbayan Special Third Division on Tuesday ordered the temporary incarceration of former senator Ramon “Bong” Revilla Jr. at the Quezon City Jail Male Dormitory in Barangay Payatas.
The order stems from a malversation case filed by the Office of the Ombudsman against Revilla and six others over an alleged P92.8-million ghost flood control project in Pandi, Bulacan.
Associate Justice Karl Miranda, chairperson of the Sandiganbayan Special Third Division, said the decision was based on a letter from Philippine National Police acting chief Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr., who cautioned the anti-graft court against further detention of persons deprived of liberty at the PNP Custodial Center in Camp Crame.
The PNP Custodial Center houses suspected terrorists, high-risk detainees, and individuals charged with heinous crimes. The court noted that adding another high-profile detainee such as Revilla would pose an added burden on the PNP due to the additional manpower and financial resources required.
The detention order is temporary, as Revilla’s camp has filed a motion seeking his transfer to the PNP Custodial Center. The Sandiganbayan is set to hear the motion on Friday, 23 January.
The Sandiganbayan Third Division on Monday issued a warrant of arrest and a hold departure order against Revilla and his six co-accused. Revilla surrendered later that night to the Philippine National Police-Criminal Investigation and Detection Group at Camp Crame.
Revilla earlier voiced disappointment over the issuance of the arrest warrant and hold departure order prior to his surrender.
“I am sad that there seems to be no due process. Even so, I will face this without fear and I know that the Lord will not abandon me because I am innocent,” he said.
He also appealed for prayers for himself and his family. Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla said Tuesday that no special treatment would be accorded to the former lawmaker.