Sandigan: Bong Revilla can vote in Cavite

MANILA, Philippines - The Sandiganbayan has granted the request of detained Sen. Ramon Revilla Jr. to be allowed to vote in Bacoor, Cavite.

In a two-page decision issued yesterday, the anti-graft court’s first division said Revilla could leave the Philippine National Police (PNP) custodial center at Camp Crame at 6 a.m.

Revilla should be escorted back to the detention facility as soon as he is finished voting “without fanfare or caravan,” the ruling stated.

Media interviews are not allowed and Revilla will shoulder all expenses to be incurred, it added. 

The anti-graft court granted Revilla’s request after PNP chief Director General Ricardo Marquez gave assurance that they have the manpower, logistics and other requirements to escort the senator, secure his safety and prevent his escape.

 On Thursday, the Sandiganbayan Fifth Division also granted the request of detained Sen. Jinggoy Estrada to be allowed to vote in San Juan.

Revilla and Estrada are facing plunder charges in connection with the pork barrel scam. 

Earlier, the Supreme Court granted the request of former president Gloria Macapagal- Arroyo, who is under hospital arrest at the Veterans Memorial Medical Center, to be allowed to vote in Lubao, Pampanga.