Sandiganbayan denies Bong's bail petition

MANILA, Philippines - The Sandiganbayan has denied the plea of Sen. Ramong "Bong" Revilla Jr. to post bail in connection with the P10-billion pork barrel scam.

In a 71-page decision, the anti-graft court's First Division chaired by Associate Justice Efren dela Cruz, maintained that the prosecution has sufficient grounds and evidence to purse the case against Revilla.

Revilla, who is facing plunder and graft charges before the tribunal, is detained at the Philippine National Police Custodial Center in Camp Crame, Quezon City.

Aside from Revilla's plea, the Sandigbayan also denied the bail petitions of businesswoman Janet Napoles; lawyer Richard Cambe, the senator's legislative staff; and two other co-accused Ronald John Lim; and John Raymond de Asis.

During the bail hearings, the prosecution presented at least five witnesses while the defense presented three witnesses.