Palace denies special treatment on 3 senators

By: Nestor Corrales - 11 years ago

Communications Secretary Herminio Coloma INQUIRER FILE PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines—Malacañang denied Tuesday allegations that the renovation of the Philippine National Police (PNP) custodial center is a sign of special treatment for the three senators indicted in the pork barrel scam.

Speaking to reporters, Presidential Communications Secretary Herminio Coloma Jr. said the renovation for the detention cell is part of the budget of the PNP.

“These are included in the work programs of the agencies concerned. When the national budget was enacted, no charges have been filed with any courts,” he said.

He said there is an allocation in the 2014 budget for the maintenance of the detention facility dismissing claims that the taxpayer’s money were spent to improve the detention facility of lawmakers accused of stealing public funds.

Coloma’s statement came after the PNP showed to the media the newly renovated detention facility in Camp Crame in Quezon City allegedly prepared for high-profile detainees involved in the pork barrel scam.

The PNP detention center has a 32-square meter room, a single-sized bed, kitchen sink with cabinets, ceiling fan, side table and a comfort room with a handheld shower and standard toilet. One of the four rooms, however, has two bunk beds.

The PNP said their detention center is ready once the Sandiganbayan orders the arrest of the three senators and commits them to the custodial center in Camp Crame.

Three opposition senators, Juan Ponce-Enrile, Ramon “Bong” Revilla Jr., and Jose “Jinggoy” Estrada were charged with graft and plunder before the Sandiganbayan on their alleged misuse of their Priority Development Assistance Fund, otherwise known as pork barrel.

The Sandiganbayan has yet to issue an arrest warrant for the three senators.