Revilla opposes suspension from office over ‘pork’ scam

Senator Ramon ‘Bong’ Revilla Jr. INQUIRER FILE PHOTO/RAFFY LERMA

MANILA, Philippines — Senator Ramon Revilla Jr. on Tuesday filed a motion opposing the prosecutors’ move to suspend him from public office due to the plunder charges he is facing over the pork barrel scam.

In his motion filed before the Sandiganbayan, Revilla said suspending him would deprive millions of Filipinos representation in the Senate. He was elected to office in 2010 with over 19.5 million votes.

“Revilla garnered the most number of votes in electoral history. Enjoying the largest share in the trust and confidence of the electorate, it is not that simple to suspend Revilla and deprive these millions of Filipino people their legislative representation,” the motion read.

The motion also said Revilla need not be suspended for fear that he would intimidate or influence witnesses, because he is already detained.

The motion also said suspending Revilla would not serve any purpose because he is already in detention.

Revilla faces plunder and graft charges for his alleged involvement in the pork barrel scam. He surrendered to the police after a warrant for his arrest was issued.

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