FOR A DETAINEE facing non-bailable charges, the Sandiganbayan doesn’t seem keen on taking a risk as it denied former Senator Ramon “Bong” Revilla Jr.’s request for temporary liberty to attend the wake of his half-brother.
According to the Sandiganbayan, Revilla’s justification “did not rise to the level of an exceptional ground required to override the court’s primary duty of maintaining secure custody over the accused, particularly considering the seriousness of the charges against him.”
In his petition, Revilla urged the Sandiganbayan to allow him to join his family in grief following the death of his half brother Jojo Bautista, whose wake was held at Angelus Eternal Garden Chapel in Imus, Cavite.
Interestingly, Revilla’s petition covers June 27 or 28.
Revilla, who remains behind bars at the Quezon City Jail Male Dormitory in Payatas, is facing a malversation case over the alleged P92.8-million flood control project in Pandi, Bulacan.
The court likewise finds it rather logical to deny Revilla’s request that would place additional strain on the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology’s limited security personnel.
Allowing Revilla, the anti-graft court added, could create an impression that the Sandiganbayan is extending preferential treatment to a “high-profile detainee.”
“Alternative means remain available for the accused to express his condolences and participate, albeit indirectly, in the family’s observance of mourning. Such considerations further militate against the grant of the extraordinary privilege sought,” reads part of the three-page resolution.
