Prosecutors oppose Revilla request to attend daughter’s debut

STATE prosecutors opposed the request of detained Senator Ramon Revilla Jr. to attend the debut of her daughter Loudette, saying that granting his request is tantamount to “special privilege.”

In a comment-opposition filed before the antigraft court First Division, state prosecutors said Revilla’s motion for leave should be denied for lack of merit.

The prosecutors said that although it understands “Revilla’s desire to witness first-hand a milestone in his daughter’s life,” the laws and his pending plunder case limit the senator’s movement.

The prosecutors added that the court already ruled against Revilla’s requests for leave to attend social events, and allowing it would make a “mockery of the administration of justice.”

“Allowing Revilla to attend a social event, that is, the birthday celebration of his daughter, is tantamount to granting him a special privilege that is not accorded to an ordinary prisoner, and will unduly create an impression to the public that accused Revilla, being a high-ranking public official, is a favored detainee,” the prosecutors said.

They added that the court should ensure that Revilla is not granted any way to escape from his charges, especially because his bail had already been denied by the court.

“Considering the gravity of the offense charged against him,.. the Honorable Court must restrict Revilla’s movement as a detention prisoner, so as not to afford Revilla the opportunity, however remote, to escape from incarceration,” they added.

In his motion for leave, Revilla asked the court’s permission to attend the debut of her daughter Ma. Fraznel Loudette Bautista at Bellevue Hotel, Alabang, Muntinlupa City on Oct 24, from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m.

Revilla also expressed gratitude for the court’s consideration in allowing him a dental check-up last Oct. 1.

“As part of the family-oriented Filipino culture, during Loudette’s 18th birthday, her parents would present her to society as a young lady coming of age and formally turning into an adult,” Revilla’s motion read.

“It is a tradition which daughters and their families prepare for, look forward to, and treasure for the rest of their lives. As a father, Senator Revilla wishes to perform his obligations and be part of Loudette’s special day,” it added.

Revilla had asked the court to attend Loudette’s graduation last March, but the Sandiganbayan later denied his plea for lack of merit.

Revilla surrendered and was detained at the Philippine National Police Custodial Center in 2014 as he stands trial for plunder. He is accused of pocketing P224.5 million in kickbacks from his pork barrel or Priority Development Assistance Funds through the ghost projects under the alleged scheme of Janet Lim-Napoles.

Also detained for plunder is Revilla’s colleague Sen. Jinggoy Estrada, who is accused of pocketing P183.7 million kickbacks. Enrile, now out on bail, is accused of receiving P172.8 million kickbacks.