Sandiganbayan defends order to transfer Gigi Reyes to Camp Bagong Diwa
MANILA, Philippines—Ordering the transfer of lawyer Jessica Lucila “Gigi Reyes, former Chief of Staff of Senator Juan Ponce Enrile, to Camp Bagong Diwa was a tough decision, a Sandiganbayan Associate Justice said Thursday.
Reyes was charged with plunder in connection with the Priority Development Assistance Fund (PDAF) scam. She was ordered transferred to Camp Bagong Diwa Wednesday evening.
After her transfer, she suffered seizure, prompting police to rush her to the Pateros-Taguig Hospital.
“Our hearts really bleed. [Ordering her transfer to Camp Bagong Diwa] was a difficult decision but we have to follow what is right,” Associate Justice Samuel Martires, a member of the Third Division said in open court.
The prosecutors insisted that there is no factual error in the order of committing Reyes to Camp Bagong Diwa. They said Reyes’ condition has improved after she was given medicines.
The Sandiganbayan gave the prosecutors three days to comment on Reyes’ motion.
Article continues after this advertisementMeanwhile, Third Division Clerk of Court lawyer Dennis Pulma said the arraignment for Reyes and her other co-accused in the plunder case including Senator Juan Ponce Enrile will push through on Friday.
Article continues after this advertisementOn Reyes’ detention, he said there was no order for the court yet to remove her from Camp Bagong Diwa.
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