Joseph Estrada scores ‘very inhuman treatment’ of Gigi Reyes

Atty. Jessica Reyes. POOL PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines–Manila Mayor Joseph Estrada said Jessica “Gigi” Reyes, Sen. Juan Ponce Enrile’s former chief of staff and plunder coaccused, was getting “very inhuman treatment” while temporarily detained at the Sandiganbayan.

The former President said Reyes’ cell was “small and hot” and that the basement detention cell did not provide privacy considering she was the only female detainee there.

Estrada said Reyes’ family members who visited her on Monday were allowed to stay with her only for two hours and one at a time.

“It’s too much. Her treatment is very inhuman,” Estrada told reporters after visiting Reyes for a few minutes Tuesday morning. He also attended the bail hearing of his son, Sen. Jinggoy Estrada, who was charged with plunder in the alleged embezzlement of P10 billion from the Priority Development Assistance Fund (PDAF).

“Very inhuman. I hope she will be transferred. She’s pitiful,” Estrada said.

Reyes has been detained since Friday night when she turned herself in after the Sandiganbayan issued a warrant for her arrest. Her coaccused, Enrile, turned himself in at Philippine National Police headquarters and was detained at PNP General Hospital, also in Camp Crame, to monitor his blood pressure.

Others accused of plunder are detained at the PNP Custodial Center—Senators Estrada and Bong Revilla and his staff member Richard Cambe.–Dona Z. Pazzibugan