MANILA, Philippines — Beleaguered Senator Ramon Revilla Jr. on Monday called for unity and an end to political bickering over the pork barrel scam.
In his televised privilege speech, Revilla challenged President Benigno Aquino III to unite the country after the political division created by the scam that implicated several government officials.
"Tama na po ang awayan. Tigilan na ang politika ng paghihiwalay," the senator said.
"Lead this country not with hatred but with love. Lead the country with unity and not partisanship. Push our nation's interest and not political agenda," Revilla told Aquino.
Revilla said the pork barrel scam has already affected many people and the President should instead focus on solving the country's problems in his remaining years in office.
"Napakarami na pong mga tao ang nabanggit sa usaping PDAF. Napakarami na pong nasasaktan. napakarami nang nasira ang buong pagkatao dahil sa pagbato ng putik," Revilla said.
"Jailing your oppositors should not be the only achievement and legacy you will be leaving behind," he told the President
Revilla allegedly amassed P224 million in kickbacks through the diversion of his pork barrel funds to bogus foundations of businesswoman Janet Lim-Napoles.
On Friday, the Office of the Ombudsman filed plunder charges against him and Senators Juan Ponce Enrile and Jinggoy Estrada.
Maintaining his innocence, Revilla said he is ready to defend himself in court.