Revilla granted 10-hour Christmas Eve furlough

The Sandiganbayan First Division granted detained former senator Ramon “Bong” Revilla Jr. a ten-hour Christmas Eve furlough.

In a resolution dated December 20, the court decided to grant Revilla’s motion to spend Christmas in his residence in Bacoor, Cavite from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Sunday, December 24.

Revilla is facing plunder and graft charges over the multi-million peso Priority Development Assistance Fund (PDAF) scam.

The court granted Revilla’s appeal but stressed that he should be transported from his place of detention not earlier than one hour before the appointed time, and he shall leave for his detention cell at Camp Crame not later than 9 p.m.

“The Philippine National Police (PNP) Chief Director Ronald dela Rosa, in coordination with the Sheriffs of this Court, shall provide adequate personal escorts and security measures in all movements and dispositions of accused Revilla,” the resolution read.

Revilla is also prohibited from using any means of communication and granting media interviews.

The use of electronic gadgets, on the other hand, by the accused and all those who are with him, shall be under the strict control and supervision of the PNP.

Any expenses incurred by the PNP for the personal escorts and security measures of Revilla shall be shouldered by him.

For the past three years, Revilla has been unable to join his family’s Christmas Day gatherings.