Bong Revilla seeks bail for plunder charges

Sen. Ramon ‘Bong’ Revilla Jr.

MANILA — After committing to surrender himself for arrest, Senator Ramon “Bong” Revilla Jr. is now seeking the Sandiganbayan’s permission to allow him to post bail for the plunder cases regarding his involvement in the pork barrel scam.

“Senator Ramon Revilla Jr. by counsel, respectfully moves ad abundantia cautelam to be allowed to post bail … where the evidence of his guilt, as in this case for plunder against him, is not strong,” read the petition filed before the Sandiganbayan First Division on Friday.

The petition was filed the same day of the Sandiganbayan’s release of the arrest warrant for the senator and 31 other respondents accused of graft and plunder.

The senator invoked Section 13, Article III of the Constitution, which says “All persons, except those charged with offenses punishable by reclusion perpetua when evidence of guilt is strong, shall, before conviction, be bailable by sufficient sureties, or be released on recognizance as may be provided by law.

The right to bail shall not be impaired even when the privilege of the writ of habeas corpus is suspended. Excessive bail shall not be required.”

Depending on the strength of the accusations raised against Revilla, the Sandiganbayan  may or may not allow the bail.

If the documentary, testimonial and object evidence filed by the Office of the Ombudsman is found strong, the petition to bail may be dismissed.

After the release of the warrant early this morning (Friday), Revilla is expected to surrender himself to the anti-graft court today.