Free after 4 years: Bong Revilla released from detention

MANILA, Philippines — Actor and former Sen. Ramon "Bong" Revilla Jr. left the Philippine National Police Custodial Center on Friday evening, four years after his arrest and detention for alleged plunder of legislative funds.

His release followed hours after his acquittal from charges of the siphoning of P224.5 million worth of public funds to bogus non-government organizations.

A Sandiganbayan sheriff arrives at the Philippine National Police's Custodial Center in Quezon City on the afternoon of Friday, Dec. 7, 2018 carrying the release order for former Sen. Bong Revilla. (STAR/Romina Cabrera)

READ: Sandiganbayan clears Revilla in pork barrel scam

He was the first senator to be arrested, detained and tried in the multi-billion peso Priority Development Assistance Fund scam. His trial was also the first to finish.

Ombudsman Samuel Martires said he would not be filing an appeal on the Sandiganbayan's acquittal of the former senator.

READ: Ombudsman Martires: No appeal on Revilla acquittal

The court sentenced Revilla's aide, Richard Cambe, and alleged mastermind behind the scam Janet Lim-Napoles to reclusion perpetua, or imprisonment up to 40 years.

Shortly after his acquittal from the plunder case, Revilla paid a P480,000 bail bond for his temporary liberty pending charges of 16 other counts of graft. — Ryan Macasero with reports from Kristine Joy Patag and STAR/Romina Cabrera/Vince Ferraras/Business world