Sandigan OKs Bong Revilla’s therapy sessions

THE Sandiganbayan First Division allowed on Thursday detained Senator Ramon Revilla Jr. to have six therapy sessions for his back and feet.

In a resolution, the antigraft court said it granted Revilla’s motion for six therapy sessions or thrice a week on humanitarian grounds.

“The therapy was recommended by his physician as a result of the previous medical tests conducted on him… After deliberating on the matter, the Court resolves to grant the motion for humanitarian considerations,” the court said

The court authorized Revilla to leave his detention at the Philippine National Police (PNP) Custodial Center three times a week to attend his therapy at the PNP General Hospital, which is near his detention facility.

The PNP is directed to transport the accused safely and to report to the court about the sessions five days after the last therapy session.

Revilla is detained for plunder and graft charges for allegedly funneling his Priority Development Assistance Funds to ghost projects for kickbacks. The scheme was allegedly masterminded by businesswoman Janet Lim-Napoles.

Napoles, however, was found guilty in April of a serious illegal detention charge for detaining whistleblower Benhur Luy for months.

She was sentenced to reclusion perpetua or a jail term of up to 40 years and locked up at the Correctional Institution for Women in Mandaluyong City.

Also detained for plunder are Senators Jose “Jinggoy” Estrada and Juan Ponce Enrile, and former representatives Edgar Valdez and Rizalina Seachon Lanete. AC