Detention cell too hot for Bong

MANILA, Philippines - Detained Sen. Ramon “Bong” Revilla Jr. may have felt uneasy in detention at the Philippine National Police (PNP) cell in Camp Crame, Quezon City but the condominium-type structure is far more comfortable compared to congested jails nationwide.

Revilla’s camp yesterday complained that the detention cell is too hot for the senator since he was not allowed to bring any cooling machine inside the facility without approval of the Sandiganbayan.

Revilla is facing plunder charges for alleged misuse of his pork barrel or Priority Development Assistance Fund (PDAF).

Some observers reminded Revilla’s camp that they should not criticize the PNP custodial center considering that if the actor-turned politician were not detained, the 32-square meter facility would have been comfortable quarters for an officer of the police Headquarters Support Service.

A source said Revilla did not touch any of the jail food provided to him and other inmates.

The PNP served fried alumahan and sauteed monggo with ampalaya leaves for dinner last Friday and hot porridge (lugaw) for breakfast on Saturday.

“He (Revilla) did not eat the food served to him by the staff of the Custodial Center. He just waited for the food brought to him by his family,” the source noted.

According to Revilla’s eldest son Bryan, their family and friends brought different kinds of food, including grilled pork belly, grilled tilapia and sinampalukan manok. He said he did not see the other food brought in by their friends.

The PNP served pan de sal for breakfast yesterday, sauteed ground pork for lunch and sauteed ampalaya.

“He has no particular favorite food, but he was conscious not to eat food which is high in uric acid and could trigger a migraine attack,” Bryan told reporters yesterday afternoon.

He said they have designated the members of their family who would bring food to his father everyday.

Aside from Revilla, Senators Juan Ponce Enrile and Jinggoy Estrada, and 51 others were also charged with plunder and graft in connection with the pork barrel scam.

The PNP constructed a four-door quarters for police officers of the jail but the rooms were converted into detention cells for the senators.

Revilla is currently occupying the first of four living quarters after the Sandiganbayan issued arrest orders for the senator. Arrest orders were also expected to be issued against Enrile and Estrada next week.

Security has been tightened inside Camp Crame.

Meanwhile, Bryan said that they also had bible fellowship, led by their pastor Chinkee Tan, which was attended by about 15 to 20 persons.

Revilla’s father, former Sen. Ramon Revilla Sr. arrived at the custodial center at around 11 a.m. Revilla used a wheelchair from his vehicle to get to the detention cell of his son and left about two hours later.

Other visitors included the senator’s wife Cavite Rep. Lani Mercado, son Cavite Vice Gov. Jolo Revilla, brother Bacoor Mayor Strike Revilla, comedian Jimmy Santos, director Marlon Bautista, Revilla’s sister Andrea Bautista-Ynares and her husband.      

When asked about the presence of rats and cockroaches, Bryan said he himself saw a rat as big as a kitten while he was at the custodial center visitors’ lounge.

Bryan said the mouse was later caught. – With Dino Balabo