Police say they can assist Revilla in voting outside detention

Sen. Bong Revilla INQUIRER FILE PHOTO/RAFFY LERMA

The Philippine National Police (PNP) informed the court that it is capable of escorting detained Senator Ramon Revilla Jr. to vote in Bacoor, Cavite on May 9.

In a manifestation to the Sandiganbayan First Division, PNP Director General Ricardo Marquez said the police are capable of assisting Revilla in his request for escort voting despite the preparations in ensuring clean and honest elections.

“The Philippine National Police without compromising its mandated task and duty to maintain peace and order in the upcoming national and local elections, possesses the necessary capacity in terms of manpower, logistics, and other requirements attendant to the task of escorting the accused, secure his safety and prevent his escape in connection with his planned voting in Bacoor, Cavite…” Marquez said.

Marquez said he is committed to assisting the court in “our unanimous quest for a prompt and impartial administration of justice” and he does not intend to delay the proceedings of the case.

READ: Sandigan asks PNP to comment on Revilla plea to vote with escort

Marquez made the manifestation as the court gave the police 24 hours on Wednesday to comment on Revilla’s request to be escorted by the police in voting outside his detention cell at the PNP custodial center.

In its resolution, the antigraft court ordered Marquez to inform the court if it was “logistically feasible on its part to escort (Revilla) and to secure his safety and prevent the escape in connection with his planned voting in Bacoor, Cavite, on May 9, 2016.”

In opposing Revilla’s request, the prosecution said it was impossible for the police to accommodate the senator as it would be too busy ensuring the safety and credibility of the elections.

READ: Bong Revilla’s escort voting opposed

The prosecution added that Revilla may be exposed to security risks and his arrival may also cause “mayhem, considering his status as a politician … and a celebrity,” in Cavite, which is identified as an elections hotspot.

In his motion, Revilla asked the court to allow him to vote with police escort at polling precinct No. 0469-A in Bacoor, Cavite.

Revilla said there was no special polling place at the PNP Custodial Center, where he is detained, for him to cast his vote for the local elections.

Revilla’s wife Cavite Rep. Lani Mercado Revilla is running for Bacoor mayor, while his son Jolo is seeking reelection as vice governor.

READ: Bong Revilla seeks to vote in Cavite–even with escort

Revilla, who has been in detention since June 2014 after surrendering, faces plunder for allegedly receiving P224.5 million in kickbacks from his Priority Development Assistance Funds through ghost projects implemented by accused “pork barrel scam” mastermind Janet Lim Napoles’ spurious foundations.

Revilla and Sen. Jinggoy Estrada have been denied bail, while their coaccused Sen. Juan Ponce Enrile has been allowed to leave detention by the Supreme Court for humanitarian reasons. CDG/rga

READ: Sandiganbayan denies bail pleas of Bong Revilla, Napoles, Cambe