ANGELES CITY, Philippines — Two months after he was acquitted of plunder in relation to the P10-billion pork barrel scam, former Senator Ramon “Bong” Revilla Jr. was welcomed with cheers by supporters at the two campaign rallies of Hugpong ng Pagbabago (HNP) here on Tuesday.
The crowd at the campaign trail of the regional party chaired by presidential daughter and Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte turned wild as soon as Revilla appeared on stage.
The campaign rallies were held subsequently at the cities of San Fernando and Angeles on the same day, where the former actor received the same warm welcome from supporters.
Speaking before the audience, Revilla, who enjoyed an acting career before joining politics, lamented his detention inside the custodial center of the Philippine National Police in Camp Crame for four years in relation to the scam.
WATCH: Cheers from the crowd welcomed former Senator Ramon “Bong” Revilla Jr., who was recently acquitted of plunder in relation to the pork barrel scam, as he arrived at the campaign caravan of HNP. @inquirerdotnet pic.twitter.com/b2hZZ9NsH6
— Cathrine Gonzales (@cgonzalesINQ) February 12, 2019
He also said he would continue his fight for the people as he eyes a Senate comeback.
“Umasa kayo na tuloy ang laban ni Bong Revilla. Para sa inyo kahit buhay ko, itataya ko (Expect that Bong Revilla’s fight will continue. For you, I will put even my life at stake), he said.
Moments after the campaign event in San Fernando City, Revilla told reporters he did not expect his supporters to welcome him that way.
“Natutuwa ako sa mainit na pagtanggap ng ating mga kababayan kaya ‘yung lakas ng loob ko [ay] sa kanila ko kinukuha (I am happy with the warm welcome from our countrymen. I draw confidence from them),” he said.
“Sa aking pag-iikot sa Luzon, Visayas, at Mindanao, talaga namang nakakalaki ng puso, nakakataba ng puso [ang suporta ng taongbayan](In my visits to Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao, the support of the people is heartwarming),” he added.
According to Revilla, the overwhelming support of the people is proof that they did not believe the accusations against him.
Revilla was accused of allocating P224 million from his Priority Development Assistance Fund (PDAF) to bogus non-government organizations of Janet Lim-Napoles, the scam’s alleged mastermind.
In December 2018, he was acquitted of the crime of plunder in relation to the case. Revilla also posted bail for 16 other graft cases filed against him before the Sandiganbayan. /ee
READ: Bong Revilla acquitted of plunder