Detained Bong Revilla back at PNP from hospital

Senator Ramon “Bong” Revilla Jr. FILE PHOTO

Former Senator Ramon “Bong” Revilla Jr., detained for plunder over the pork barrel scam, is back in police custody after being confined at the hospital due to hypertension, police said.

In a Nov. 14 letter to the Sandiganbayan First Division chairperson Associate Justice Efren Dela Cruz, the Philippine National Police (PNP) Custodial Service Unit chief Supt. Arnel Apud said Revilla was discharged from St. Luke’s Medical Center in Taguig at 4:15 p.m. last Saturday.

Apud said the police escorting Revilla brought back the accused to the PNP Custodial Center around 4:55 p.m. without any untoward incident.

The police brought back Revilla in detention after informing the court last week that Revilla is yet to undergo biopsy as recommended by his doctor.

READ: Bong Revilla to undergo biopsy, remain in hospital

On Nov. 5, Revilla was rushed to the emergency room of the PNP General Hospital in Camp Crame in Quezon City after he experienced vomiting, severe headache and hypertension.

READ: Bong Revilla BP slightly high

Revilla was then brought to the St. Luke’s Medical Center in Taguig City onboard an ambulance.

The Sandiganbayan then allowed Revilla to remain confined at the hospital until he is allowed to be discharged by his doctors.

Revilla’s lawyer Reody Anthony Balisi eariler said Revilla was scheduled to undergo physical and neurological examinations.

Revilla’s camp also refuted hoax sites circulating false news that he has died.

READ: Bong Revilla’s not dead; court lets him stay in hospital 

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.

Also detained for plunder is Revilla’s colleague former senator Jinggoy Estrada, who was denied bail as he stands accused of pocketing P183.7 million kickbacks. Enrile, now out on bail, is accused of receiving P172.8 million kickbacks.

Their plunder and graft charges were filed to the Sandiganbayan by the Office of the Special Prosecutor in June 2014. Their trial is underway. JE/rga