Bong Revilla gets Sandiganbayan nod to spend Christmas Eve with family

Detained former Senator Ramon "Bong" Revilla Jr. has secured the approval of the Sandiganbayan to allow him to spend Christmas Eve with his family in Bacoor, Cavite.

In a minute resolution dated December 20, the First Division partially granted the motion of Revilla to leave his detention place at the Philippine National Police Custodial Center in Camp Crame from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. on December 24.

The Sandiganbayan said Revilla will cover the expenses of the PNP during this time and that the use of any communications will be strictly monitored.

"All expenses to be incurred by the PNP for the personal escorts and security measures in all movements and dispositions of the accused outside Camp Crame until his return to his detention facility, as authorized herein, shall be shouldered and paid by the said accused," the resolution read.

The anti-graft court also directed PNP chief Director General Ronald dela Rosa to coordinate with the Sheriff's Office in providing "adequate personal escorts and security measures in all movements and dispositions of accused Revilla."

Meanwhile, the Sandiganbayan also approved the motion for furlough Revilla's former aide, Atty. Richard Cambe, to spend Christmas Eve with his family in Imus, Cavite in the same time period.

'Spend time with family' 

In a petition he filed on December 12, Revilla asked the First Division to be allowed to visit his family in Bacoor, Cavite from December 24 to Dec. 25, 2017 and Dec. 31, 2017 to Jan. 1, 2018. 

He said he planned to partake his family's traditions such as "celebrate Mass, dine together for Noche Buena and Media Noche, and simply spend time with each other."

Revilla also pertained to the health condition of his father, former senator Ramon Revilla Sr. The younger Revilla was allowed by the court to visit his ailing father last June.

The approval of Revilla's motion comes after he appealed for the Sandiganbayan's reversal of his bid for an outright dismissal of his plunder charges over his alleged involvement in the pork barrel fund scam.  — Joseph Tristan Roxas/RSJ, GMA News