PNP: Sandiganbayan will decide on 3 senators' custody

MANILA, Philippines - The Philippine National Police (PNP) said on Tuesday reiterated that only the Sandiganbayan can decide on the continued detention of senators Ramon "Bong" Revilla Jr., Jinggoy Estrada and Juan Ponce Enrile at the Custodial Center in Camp Crame.

In a statement, PNP said the police organization will let the anti-graft court to determine what to do regarding the detention facility of the three senators, who are all facing plunder and graft charges in connection with the multi-billion pork barrel fund scam.

"The PNP submits to the wisdom and best judgment of the Sandiganbayan to determine further appropriate action as the anti-graft court deems necessary, on the continued detention of Senators Enrile, Revilla, and Ejercito under PNP custody.

"If at all there were any violations of the conditions for detention committed by any of the detained senators, it is up to the Sandiganbayan to determine," the PNP said.

"For our part, we will provide the court with all the necessary documents, information, and facts surrounding the activities of the detained senators while under PNP custody," it added.

Earlier, the PNP relieved some officials of the PNP Headquarters and Support Service, including its director  Chief Superintendent Albert Supapo, for lapses and irregularities during the trips of detained Senators Revilla and Estrada to the Special Ward of the PNP General Hospital last February 14.

"Initially, the investigation noted that Senators Revilla and Ejercito were indeed taken to the PNP General Hospital by their custodians, purportedly to undergo urgent medical check-up.

"However, instead of going to the emergency ward, both senators went straight to the Special Ward which is approximately 85 meters farther inside the hospital compound," the PNP said.

The two senators reportedly were seen at the birthday bash of Enrile that day.