Atty. Jessica Reyes. POOL PHOTO
MANILA, Philippines–Jessica Lucila “Gigi” Reyes can’t be detained at the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP), a city jail, because the former aide of Senator Juan Ponce Enrile is a “high profile and high risk” suspect, a court official said.
Atty. Dennis Pulma of the third division clerk of court on Monday said they received a letter from the BJMP as citing overcapacity in the city jail crowded with hardened criminals.
“The BJMP said it is not advisable,” Pulma said in Filipino.
The BJMP also cited its lack of personnel to secure such a “high profile” and “high risk” detainee, Pulma said.
Reyes, the resigned chief of staff of Enrile, surrendered to the court on Friday after the arrest warrant was issued against her over the pork barrel scam.
Reyes has spent the weekend in solitary confinement at the Sandiganbayan basement, while Enrile has been unofficially placed at a police hospital.
Enrile and Reyes face plunder charges for their alleged involvement in the pork barrel scam.
RELATED STORIES
Enrile in hospital arrest; Gigi Reyes at QC jail