Bong’s ex-aide granted computer, internet access in detention

A former aide of detained former senator Ramon “Bong” Revilla Jr. has gotten his wish to have his personal laptop and internet access while he is detention.

In a minute resolution dated March 7, released to the media over the weekend, the Sandiganbayan’s First Division allowed Richard Cambe, Revilla’s former chief of staff and his co-accused in a plunder case over the multibillionpeso pork barrel fund scam, to use his laptop in his cell until March 30.

The court, however, reminded Cambe that his computer and internet access shall be strictly limited to research and other legal works in preparation for the upcoming start of the trial of his plunder case.

Cambe and Revilla allegedly funneled the former senator’s Priority Development Assistance Fund to bogus foundations linked with the alleged scam mastermind Janet Lim-Napoles in exchange for P224.5 million in kickbacks.

Cambe and Revilla are currently detained at the Philippine National Police Custodial Center in Camp Crame.

In his motion filed early this month, Cambe said he needs to have access to a laptop with internet connection since he is acting as his own lawyer for the case.

Cambe said the court had earlier ordered him to comment on the pre- trial order (PTO) which the clerk of court said will be sent via electronic mail.

A PTO contains the final list of documentary exhibits and names of the persons to be presented by both the prosecution and the defense during the trial, which is set to start on March 30.