Embattled Revilla leads Senate prayer, seeks ‘divine wisdom’

Sen. Ramon “Bong” Revilla Jr.   INQUIRER FILE PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines – Senator Ramon “Bong” Revilla Jr on Wednesday prayed for “divine wisdom” and understanding amid reports that he was among the senators who would be facing plunder charges in connection with the P10-billion “pork barrel” scam.

“Father in heaven, we pray for our nation and all in government who strive dearly to serve our people. Let your truth inspire, motivate and protect those in the executive, the legislature and the judiciary,” said Revilla, who led the opening prayer of their session at the Senate.

“Enlighten all of us towards truth, towards reason and towards justice. Father in heaven, we ask for your divine wisdom and that the spirit of the living God rest in each of us,” he said.

The senator made no reference on the controversy involving him but he prayed for understanding and unity for the betterment of the country.

Except for the statements issued by his office, Revilla has not yet personally faced the media to answer all allegations levelled against him.

Meanwhile, Senator Jose “Jinggoy” Estrada lamented that they had been “convicted” in the eyes of the public.

“Convicted na kami sa mata ng tao (We have been convicted in the eyes of the public),” said Estrada, who was also said to be charged with plunder for alleged misuse of his priority development assistance fund known as pork barrel funds.

Asked why he did not answer the allegations to clear his name, Estrada said: “Mabilis sagutin pero araw-araw ka naman tinitira. Parang kinukondisyon na ang utak ng mga tao.”

Senate Minority Leader Juan Ponce-Enrile was the third senator, who was reportedly facing plunder case on the same allegation, but he has yet to comment on it.

Estrada and Enrile both belong to the opposition bloc in the Senate.
Senator Gringo Honasan, whose name was also mentioned as among the lawmakers who had allegedly funnelled his PDAF to questionable non-government organizations, said he was only praying that the rule of law would prevail.

“Very obvious, (that’s) non- tweakable. (If it’s not obvious to all of us) then I cannot go on explaining,” Honasan said when sought to comment on his colleagues, who were facing charges over pork scam.

“I’m just praying and hoping na magkaisa ang bansa, manaig ang rule of law.  Wala akong unwarranted expectations. I just believe in the rule of law and due process. I’m sad for the country na nagkakaganito tayo,” he added.