THE Sandiganbayan has granted the plea of former-senator Ramon “Bong” Revilla Jr. to spend Christmas Eve at home in Cavite.
In a minute resolution, the anti-graft court’s First Division partially granted Revilla’s motion to leave the Philippine National Police’s Custodial Center at Camp Crame on Dec. 24 from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. and be with his family.
“The Court allows the aforesaid accused to leave his place of detention for his residence in Bacoor, Cavite from 11 o’clock in the morning up to 9 o’clock in the evening of Dec. 24, 2017,” the order read.
“All expenses to be incurred by the PNP for the personal escorts and security measures in all movements and dispositions of the accused outside Camp Crame until his return to his detention facility, as authorized herein, shall be shouldered and paid by the said accused.”
The Sandiganbayan also granted the appeal of Revilla’s former chief of staff, lawyer Richard Cambe, to spend Christmas Eve with his family in Imus, Cavite on Dec. 24 from 11 a.m. until 9 p.m.
On Dec. 12, Revilla filed a petition with the First Division, seeking a furlough from Dec. 24 to Dec. 25, and Dec. 31 to Jan. 1, 2018.
He told the anti-graft court that he wanted to take part in the family’s tradition of gathering together during Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day.
Moreover, Revilla said he wanted to be with his ailing father.
Revilla is facing plunder and graft charges for alleged involvement in the pork barrel fund scam.
The Sandiganbayan, however, junked Revilla’s motion to dismiss the charges against him. (RIO)
