If arrested, Enrile wouldn’t care being jailed with Abu Sayyaf men

By: Maila Ager - 11 years ago

Senate Minority Leader Juan Ponce-Enrile FILE PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines—Senate Minority Leader Juan Ponce-Enrile said he is not losing sleep over the “pork barrel” scam as he expressed confidence that he would win the case against him in a “fair trial.”

And should he get arrested and send to jail, Enrile said he would not care if he would be detained even with the notorious Abu Sayyaf Group.

“Ok lang maski sino magiging cellmate ko. Pwede naman Abu Sayyaf. Pwede,” he told reporters.

But Enrile said he optimistic he will win this case.

“I’m confident that in a fair trial and in a fair court, I’m sure our courts will be fair about this, I’ll have a fair chance of winning the case.”

Enrile, one of three senators facing plunder and graft charges in connection with the “pork” scam, was so confident that he has never lost sleep over the controversy.

“Natutulog ako (I sleep), nine hours e. I exercise in the morning, I eat my breakfast, I wake up at 9 a.m., (I’m) sound asleep at night” he said.

Asked whether he was not stressed out at all by the issue, the senator said: “No, what for? You get stressed out only if you are guilty. Why should I get stressed out”

“I know myself, I know what we did. My office I think is blameless. Although I respect the position of government…some people have been talking this for more than a year now and still they are muddled.”

Enrile said he was unfazed and not offended with the report that authorities are preparing their cells in case he and other lawmakers would be ordered arrested and jailed by the court.

“No why should I get offended? I’m ready to defend myself inside the court room,” he said.

Asked if he would request any consideration, the senator said: “ I don’t know yet depending upon the circumstances. If all of a sudden I get sick at my age maybe, I will ask them to allow me to go to doctor to have treatment. If not, I will take my chances.”

Asked again if a house arrest would be an option,” Enrile said: “I’m not thinking where I will get arrested. They arrest me period.”