Why can’t gov’t jail Bong Revilla in ‘Yolanda’-like bunkhouse?

Philippine National Police give media a tour of the detention facilities at the PNP Custodial Center at Camp Crame INQUIRER FILE PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines – Malacañang on Sunday defended Senator Ramon “Bong” Revilla Jr.’s detention cell in Camp Crame, saying the law orders humane treatment even for those accused of wrongdoing.

“Ang paggamit ng pasilidad sa detensyon ay naaayon sa batas bilang pagkilala sa prinsipyo ng makataong pagturing sa mga nasasakdal,” Communications Secretary Herminio Coloma Jr. said over state-run radio.

Responding to proposals for Revilla and other pork barrel scam-linked lawmakers to experience what it feels like to live in “Yolanda” bunkhouses, Coloma said, “Dapat bang dalhin at ipiit sila katulad ng mga bunkhouses at temporary shelters na ginagamit ng mga pamilyang naapektuhan ng ‘Yolanda’ at iba pang kalamidad?”

“At kung gagawin naman ito ng pamahalaan, hindi kaya mamayagpag ang tuligsa na pinahihirapan ang mga ‘di kaalyado sa pulitika?” he said.

(Should they be brought and detained in bunkhouses and temporary shelters used by survivors of typhoon “Yolanda and other calamities? And if government does that, won’t it be criticized for seemingly persecuting its non-allies in politics?)

However, Coloma did not comment on the argument of “Yolanda” survivors that they are being neglected by the government amid difficulties faced after the calamity.

Tindog People’s Network, a group of typhoon survivors, said 12 families are living in 17.28-square-meter bunkhouses while the three senators, Senators Revilla, Juan Ponce Enrile and Jose “Jinggoy” Estrada, will be held in a 32-sq-m detention cell.

Coloma said, “Ang sitwasyong ito ay nagpapakita lamang ng kahalagahan ng layuning magtatag ng isang lipunan na kung saan magiging tunay na pantay-pantay ang trato sa lahat ng mga mamamayan habang iginagalang ang kanilang mga karapatang pantao.”

(This situation only shows the importance of creating a society where there is equal treatment of citizens and respect for human rights.)

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