The Sandiganbayan Third Division has denied former Senator Ramon “Bong” Revilla Jr.’s request for temporary liberty to attend the wake of his half-brother.
In its three-page resolution, the anti-graft court ruled that while Revilla’s situation is a personal tragedy, it does not constitute the exceptional grounds required to override the court’s duty to maintain the secure custody of an accused person.
The court also said granting the request would place additional demands on the security personnel of the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP).
The Sandiganbayan further stressed that allowing Revilla to attend the wake could create the impression that he is receiving special treatment compared to other detainees.
Revilla is currently detained at the Quezon City Jail Male Dormitory in Payatas in connection with a pending malversation case involving him and five others over the alleged ₱92.8-million flood control project in Pandi, Bulacan.
(Bong Revilla | FILE)
