Sandiganbayan denies Bong’s plea to attend daughter’s debut

MANILA, Philippines - The Sandiganbayan yesterday junked detained Sen. Ramon Revilla Jr.’s request for a furlough to attend his daughter’s debut today.

The anti-graft court junked Revilla’s motion asking for permission to leave the Philippine National Police custodial center for three hours to celebrate Loudette’s 18th birthday celebration at the Bellevue Hotel in Alabang, Muntinlupa City. 

The anti-graft court’s First Division said it agrees with Ombudsman prosecutors that the furlough request “does not present an exceptional circumstance, being merely a social event, that would warrant a deviation from the general limitations on the rights of an accused detention prisoner.” 

The Sandiganbayan said there is also a huge security risk if Revilla would be allowed to attend the event since a lot of visitors are expected to also be at the venue.

In his motion, the lawmaker – who is facing plunder trial for alleged involvement in the pork barrel fund scam –asked for understanding and compassion from the anti-graft court in considering his request.

Ombudsman prosecutors, however, opposed his motion and asked the Sandiganbayan to deny the request since granting it would amount to giving Revilla special privileges.