Former Senator Ramon “Bong” Revilla Jr. appeared before the Sandiganbayan on January 20 a day after he voluntarily surrendered to authorities in connection with cases linked to the flood control fund scandal.

Revilla underwent booking and other standard procedures following his surrender. The anti-graft court is set to determine where he will be detained while his cases are being heard.

Following his surrender, the Sandiganbayan Third Division immediately issued a commitment order for Revilla in relation to the malversation case filed against him. The court ordered that he be detained at the New Quezon City Jail in Payatas, where other accused in the flood control scandal are also being held. This followed the commitment order issued by the Third Division, which is handling the malversation cases.

Revilla’s legal team promptly filed a motion requesting that he be allowed to remain at the Philippine National Police custodial facility, citing security concerns.

“To protect him, not for anything but for security reasons for his safety,” said Revilla’s lawyer, Atty. Francesca Señga. “Maybe the court took judicial notice that there have been a lot of gang-related activities in certain confinement facilities, and if he would be placed there without proper protection, he would be at risk.”

The court, however, denied the request for now, stating that granting it could give the impression of special privileges or preferential treatment for the accused.

Meanwhile, Revilla posted bail for the graft case that was filed by the Office of the Ombudsman on January 16.

“Bail was posted for the graft and corrupt practices act. I think it was around 90 million pesos, more or less. At the moment, it has already been signed and processed,” Señga said.

Despite posting bail for the graft charge, Revilla will remain in detention as the malversation case is not immediately bailable.

His son, Cavite 1st District Representative Jolo Revilla, said the family respects the process. “Of course, we are saddened, but we respect the institutions,” he said.

The Sandiganbayan Third Division has scheduled the hearing on Revilla’s motion to transfer facility as well as his arraignment and pre-trial, on Friday, January 23.

Revilla’s camp stressed that his voluntary surrender does not signify guilt but is meant to demonstrate full cooperation with the judicial process.

“In fact, former Senator Revilla is eager for the judicial process to proceed,” Señga said. “So that the alleged evidence against him, or the lack of it, will be judicially scrutinized in keeping with the dictates of due process. He trusts the judicial process. Through these proceedings, the truth will be revealed.”

Supporters of Revilla also gathered to show their support for the former senator. One of them, Mark Duller, said residents of Cavite came to express solidarity, insisting that Revilla has no involvement in the alleged wrongdoing and citing the family’s service to Caviteños, especially during times of calamity.

Revilla, for his part, thanked those who continue to support him. “Thank you very much to those who are praying for me,” he said. “My conscience is clear.”

With reports of Evan Alvarez

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