Bong Revilla's bags packed; ready for jail

MANILA, Philippines - "All my bags are packed, I’m ready to go."

Sen. Ramon "Bong" Revilla Jr. is now singing to the popular tune of John Denver’s “Leaving on a Jet Plane,” not to flee abroad but to go to jail once the Sandiganbayan orders his arrest for the plunder charges filed against him in connection to  the pork barrel scam.

From his own composition “Salamat, Kaibigan”, Revilla is singing a different tune in anticipation of the issuance of warrants of arrest by the Sandiganbayan.

Revilla said he is expecting the issuance of the arrest warrant after the Sandiganbayan issued the hold departure order against him.

“I will face this. As I said before, I will not ran away from all these,” Revilla said, adding that he is confident of a fair trial from the Sandiganbayan.

Revilla said he has been doing rounds in barangays recently in a bid to thank his supporters, who have remained loyal, contrary to claims of the Palace that 99  percent of the people do not believe him.

Revilla, who went to his Senate office on Tuesday despite the congressional recess, said he is ready to go to jail anytime.

He added that he is leaving it up to his legal team on issues about his place of detention, although the Philippine National Police (PNP) has announced that the pork barrel scam suspects will be detained at the PNP Custodial Center.

“Sa akin pinapaubaya ko na sa legal team pero sa akin, kahit saan okay lang ako. Kung gusto nila akong ibartolina okay lang basta ready na ako,” Revilla said.

He said he has packed his belongings, which have been placed in his vehicle so he would be ready once arrested. Revilla said he is bringing a bible and some books to read in jail.

In jest, Revilla said he will just do push-ups everyday to improve his abs and physical stamina. "Eh bawal daw ang computer, no cell phones siguro magpu-push up na lang ako. 'Pag nakita nyo ko mas malaki pa katawan ko sa dating Panday. Dasal. Bibliya. Wag naman sanang ipagbawal yung libro," Revilla said.

Revilla lamented that his family has grown weary and numb over the pork barrel issue.

Anticipating his arrest, Revilla said he is grateful everytime he wakes in the morning for another day that he can still be with his family.

“Kanina kausap ko sila, nag-breakfast kami ng mga anak ko. Sabi ko sa kanila, ‘lumiliit na yung mundo ko, so ihanda n'yo na rin yung sarili n’yo at paliit na ng paliit yan hanggang makulong ako.’ Naiintindihan naman nila,” the senator said.

Revilla said he is leaving his fate to God.

The senator gamely posed for souvenir pictures with members of the Senate media and his staff.