Can Enrile, Estrada, Revilla bring gadgets in jail?

By: Julliane Love De Jesus - 11 years ago

Senators Juan Ponce Enrile, Jinggoy Estrada and Bong Revilla. INQUIRER FILE PHOTOS

MANILA, Philippines—The projected detention room in Camp Crame for each of the three lawmakers has only one ceiling fan, a single bed, kitchen sink and a restroom.

If Senators Jose “Jinggoy” Estrada, Ramon Revilla Jr. and Juan Ponce Enrile would request for additional facilities or bring gadgets in their would-be cells, the Philippine National Police (PNP) said the three lawmakers should ask the court’s permission.

“Any additional appliance, from the smallest gadget or cell phone to the biggest appliance like refrigerator and air-condition units, must be coursed through the Sandiganbayan,” Chief Superintendent Reuben Theodore Sindac, PNP Public Information Office chief, said in an interview.

Sindac said only the court could issue the clearance, permission or directive to allow gadgets or appliances inside the cell of the three senators.

With the imminent arrest of Enrile, Estrada and Revilla, the PNP personnel are all geared up once the Sandiganbayan orders Estrada, Revilla and Enrile to be brought to jail.

If the court allows the request, Sindac said the budget for the appliance and the unit itself should come from the lawmakers’ pocket.

“These details will have to be covered by the court motions. The requesting party will also have to indicate the specific details of their request,” he added.

Last Monday, the PNP opened to media for the first time the newly constructed facility at its Custodial Center. It has an administrative building, multi-purpose hall and a four-door unit.

Police said the one-hectare compound was originally intended to be the office and quarters for Custodial Service Unit officers. But it was converted to a detention facility and it is ready for occupancy once the Sandiganbayan commits the senators at Camp Crame.

When Sindac was asked if the PNP has created a team dedicated to the heavy task of arresting more than 50 pork barrel scam suspects, he said there was none.

He explained that there is no need as the PNP can conduct massive arrest as it has done in the past.