MANILA (Mindanao Examiner / June 20, 2014) – One of Filipino senators accused in the pork barrel scam has surrendered on Friday and more are expected to yield peacefully when the court finally issues the warrants for their arrest.
Senator Ramon ‘Bong’Revilla was escorted by his families and friends and supporters who also accused the Aquino government of harassing political opposition.
Revilla, a movie action star and son of a former actor and senator, Ramon Revilla Sr, denied pocketing commissions from the pork barrel fund he allegedly channelled to a fictitious non-governmental organization operated by Janet Napoles, herself facing plunder charges.
The elder Revilla told his son to be strong as the lawmaker bid goodbye to his ageing father who previously suffered a stroke – both were in tears as they held each other tightly. The senator also met briefly with his supporters, mostly from his hometown in Cavite province, and thanked them for their loyalty.
At the police headquarters, Revilla still managed to flash a wide grin and smiled when his mug shot was taken by policemen as if he was posing for a glamour magazine.
The senator’s wife Rep. Lani Revilla also complained that there was no air conditioning unit at the newly-built holding area where Revilla is staying, a far cry from the overcrowded and filthy jails that ordinary prisoners are being held.
She said Revilla is suffering from migraine attacks and the lack of air conditioning unit made it even difficult for the senator to bear.
The court said Revilla had amassed as much as P242 million commissions from the scam involving government money called Priority Development Fund, an allegation strongly denied by him and his family.
Two other senators – Juan Enrile and Jose ‘Jinggoy’ Ejercito Jr – who are also facing the same charges are expected to also surrender peacefully once the court issues their arrest warrants. The two politicians also denied all accusations against them.
Enrile, a key figure during the Marcos martial law regime and a prominent lawyer, questioned the allegations against him. And so is Ejercito, son of former President and now mayor of Manila, Joseph Estrada, who accused the Aquino administration of harassing him and the others, who are all from the opposition. Estrada and his father were previously charged with plunder involving illegal gambling money. (Mindanao Examiner)
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