MANILA, Philippines (UPDATED) — When Senator Ramon "Bong" Revilla, Jr. had a camera crew follow him from his house in Bacoor, Cavite and as he submits himself before the Sandiganbayan in Quezon City, Filipinos posted angry comments on social networks.
As Revilla's convoy arrived at the Sandiganbayan this morning, noticeable were men carrying still and video cameras taking photos and shots of the embattled senator's day in court. The men were wearing white shirts with the words "Karangalan kong maging Indio."
It was an apparent reference to Revilla's soap opera "Indio" that aired on GMA7 a few years ago. Their shirts also had photos of Revilla, a long-time action star before entering politics.
Many asked what the senator's intention is for having his surrender to the court and the hordes of supporters accompanying him on Friday filmed.
So how much of OUR money is paying for that camera crew you got there, Bong?
— Marcelle Fabie (@mistervader) June 20, 2014 My reaction when I knew that Bong Revilla came with his own camera crew to film his "surrender". pic.twitter.com/dZiPPkKlCA
— Shielo Espejo (@shieloespejo) June 20, 2014 Ugh. For MMFF? RT @PhilippineStar: FYI: Sen. Revilla comes with his own camera crew to film his "surrender."
— One Mapúa (@OneMapua) June 20, 2014 Some even speculated if it would be a segment in his informational show Kap's Amazing Stories aired over GMA Network.
Kap's Amazing Stories featuring the #RoadToCampCrame! Man is a disgrace to both entertainment industry and the Philippine Senate.
— Ackire Estrellado (@nursewanderer) June 20, 2014 Even overseas Filipinos following the developments on the arrest linked to the "pork barrel" scam reacted to the report
If ever I get arrested, I will also file for motion to elect detention facility and to bring my own camera crew. For documentation purposes.
— Jocer Eisma™ (@jocereisma) June 20, 2014 The beleaguered senator proceeded to the Philippine National Police headquarters in Camp Crame for booking and admission in the detention facility.
Saying he is innocent from the multi-billion peso embezzlement scheme, Revilla has expressed his plans to seek for a higher post in 2016, saying he was dragged into the "pork barrel" scandal to block his bid.
"Ako po'y naging bise gobernador ninyo. Naging gobernador. Ni isang kaso wala. Tapos noong ako’y tumuntong ng Senado, noong pumutok ang aking pangalan na ako'y tatakbo ng pangulo, ito na ang inabot," he had said.
He also recently toured Manila purportedly to defend himself from plunder allegations and express gratitude to his voters for trusting him as senator. Revilla topped the senatorial race in 2010. - Camille Diola with Rainier Padua