Palace insists fair treatment of detainees

MANILA, Philippines – Malacañang on Sunday insisted that the government is treating everyone equally, including detainees, after it was accused of giving Jessica Lucila “Gigi” Reyes and her co-accused VIP treatment.

Senators Jinggoy Estrada, Bong Revilla and Juan Ponce Enrile. INQUIRER FILE PHOTO

“It is not a policy of the administration to give special treatment to so-called VIP detainees,” Communications Secretary Herminio Coloma Jr. said in Filipino.

He said the government only follows court orders on where to detain those allegedly involved in the pork barrel scam.

The statement came days after Reyes, the former chief of staff of Senator Juan Ponce Enrile, was rushed to the Philippine Heart Center after complaining of chest pains.

However, Coloma admitted that the situation was different since it involves three senators and other high-profile, high-risk detainees, who are all detained in the hospital or special detention centers.

“We are seeking to address the court orders pertaining to these individuals,” he said.

Enrile, the latest lawmaker arrested on charges of plunder and graft, has been staying at the Philippine National Police (PNP) General Hospital since his arrest on July 7.

Meanwhile, Senators Ramon “Bong” Revilla Jr. and Jose “Jinggoy” Estrada remain detained at the PNP Custodial Center in Camp Crame.

Coloma said they were also waiting for the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology’s explanation on why Reyes was transferred to a hospital without court approval.

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