Revilla seeks permission to spend Christmas with family, ailing dad

Former Senator Ramon “Bong” Revilla Jr. is tugging on the heartstrings of the Sandiganbayan First Division as he sought permission to spend time with his family, particularly his ailing father, this Christmas and New Year.

For the past three years, Revilla has been unable to join his family’s tradition of gathering in their home in Bacoor, Cavite to celebrate mass as well as dine together for Noche Buena and Media Noche.

So in his motion, Revilla said that he “respectfully beseeches this Honorable Court’s compassion” to allow him to go this year, especially given the health of Senator Ramon Revilla Sr.

“Considering the limitations in the employment of his rights arising from his detention, accused Revilla has requested furlough before this Honorable Court only on the most pressing and important grounds, specifically pertaining to his or his family members’ health condition,” he said in his motion.

Revilla added that his father’s declining health is a “trying” time for him and his family, and it is important for him to give his full support “in keeping with the observance of cherished tradition of togetherness and unity of Filipino families.”

Should the court agree to his request, Revilla hopes to be in Bacoor from December 24 at 11 a.m. to December 25 at 8 p.m., as well as December 31 at 11 a.m. to January 1, 2018 at 8 p.m.

For its part, the prosecution has opposed Revilla’s motion, stating that allowing him to go would grant him special privilege that is not in accord to an ordinary prisoner. In doing so, the court would be unduly creating “an impression to the public that accused Revilla, being a high-ranking public official, is a favored detainee.”