Palace: house arrest for Estrada and Revilla up to court

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MANILA —  Malacanang is leaving the decision, on whether or not to place Senators Jinggoy Estrada and Ramon Revilla Jr. to under house arrest, to the Sandiganbayan.

Citing their respect for the judiciary’s independence, Presidential Communication Operations Office head Herminio Coloma Jr. said the Palace is expecting the Sandiganbayan to perform what is legal and just. 

“Nasa pagpapasya na po iyan ng hukuman at umaasa po tayo na gagawin ng Sandiganbayan ang kanilang tungkulin nang naaayon sa batas,” Coloma said at a televised press briefing on Wednesday.

(It’s up to the court’s decision and we are hoping that the Sandiganbayan will perform their duties in accordance with the law.)

Estrada and Revilla are among the three senators facing plunder charges in the Sandiganbayan for their alleged involvement in the pork barrel scam.

The two senators earlier said that they are ready to be arrested anytime.

Estrada said he preferred to be placed under house arrest if the courts will allow him, while Revilla said a regular jail will do.

“Sa akin pinapaubaya ko na sa legal team pero sa akin, kahit saan okay lang ako. Kung gusto nila akong ibartolina okay lang basta ready na ako,” Revilla said.

(I am leaving it to my legal team. But anywhere is fine with me. If they want to place me in a bartolina, it’s okay with me, I’m ready.)