Bong: I'm not using Ram's murder for political mileage

MANILA, Philippines - Sen. Ramon “Bong” Revilla Jr. belied yesterday claims by his stepmother, Genelyn Magsaysay, that he is using his half-brother’s murder for political mileage.

Revilla said he was just trying to help his father’s other family to solve Ramgen Bautista’s killing when the police found that the victim’s two siblings, Ramon Joseph and Ma. Ramona, could have had a hand in his murder.

“What publicity is she talking about, this is a big headache for me and this is not good publicity,” he said in reaction to allegations by Ramgen’s mother that he was using the issue to boost his political plans.

Revilla expressed regret that he was being blamed by Magsaysay, despite his effort to resolve the issue. A member of the senator’s staff revealed that Revilla became “very, very disappointed” when Magsaysay addressed him before members of media last Sunday to stay out of their family affairs.

“So after learning of Magsaysay’s statement to the media, the senator decided not to talk about the issue anymore because he gets the blame instead...for what he is doing to help in the speedy resolution of the case,” the senator’s staff said.

Reiterating that he is not meddling in “family affairs,” Revilla said he will merely let the lawyer of the Bautista family, the victim’s mother, and the police talk about the issue.

Revilla said it would have been easier for him if Magsaysay cooperated with him and the police to attain justice for Ramgen.

“Let the investigation of the murder push through and we’ll see whatever the result,” Revilla said.

He said Ramgen “was like a son” to him because the 23-year-old actor “grew up with my boys, Bryan and Jolo.”

“I will do everything within my power as a public servant that the rule of law must prevail, and justice must be served, regardless of whoever gets hurt, Revilla said in a statement.

Senate Majority Leader Vicente Sotto expressed admiration for Revilla’s statesmanship in handling the tragedy. Sotto said Revilla did not interfere in the decision of the police to arrest Ramon Joseph after he was tagged by other suspects in the Oct. 28 murder.