Bong attendance at JPE birthday celebration ordered probed

MANILA, Philippines - A thorough investigation has been ordered into the reported attendance of Sen. Ramon “Bong” Revilla at the birthday celebration last Feb. 14 of Senate Minority Leader Juan Ponce Enrile at the Philippine National Police (PNP) General Hospital.

Interior Secretary Manuel Roxas II issued the instructions to PNP officer-in-charge Deputy Director General Leonardo following the release of two photographs showing Revilla in the company of Enrile in an area of the hospital with several tables with red mantles.

In response, Espina tasked Director Francisco Don Montenegro, Investigation and Detective Management chief, to lead the investigation on some custodial officials of the Headquarters Support Service (HSS).

Espina said the investigation seeks to validate the circumstances behind the published photographs,

Enrile is under hospital arrest at the PNP Hospital, while Revilla is detained at the Custodial Center.

Both are in  Camp Crame.

PNP spokesman Chief Superintendent Generoso Cerbo Jr. said Revilla’s visit was “accidental,” and that the two senators merely exchange pleasantries.

Initial report from the office of Chief Superintendent Albert Supapo showed that Revilla was brought to the PNP Hospital at 4:28 p.m. of Feb. 14  for an “urgent” checkup. 

At 4:30 p.m., reports showed that Revilla underwent monitoring of vital signs and a physical checkup at the Emergency Ward.

Medication was administered to relieve pain, discomfort and dizziness.

The report said Revilla and Enrile exchanged pleasantries after a chance meeting along the hallway of the PNP Hospital at 4:52 p.m.