Detained Senator Bong Revilla seeks furlough to visit sick father

Senator Ramon “Bong” Revilla Jr. (Screengrab from Solar News)

MANILA – Detained Senator Ramon “Bong” Revilla Jr. requested the Sandiganbayan to allow him to visit his ailing father, former senator Ramon Revilla Sr. who was rushed to St. Luke’s Medical Center in Bonifacio Global City last Saturday due to pneumonia and dehydration.

Revilla reiterated his gratitude to the court for previously allowing him to visit his son Cavite Vice Governor Ramon “Jolo” Revilla III who has been confined at the Asian Hospital and Medical Center in Muntinlupa City.

“In a similar manner, Senator Revilla comes before this Honorable Court, respectfully seeking for this Honorable Court’s compassion and understanding to allow him, this time, to visit and spend a few moments with his ailing and weak father, former Senator Revilla Sr.,” his petition said.

Revilla expressed his desire to visit his father as soon as possible, for at least five hours, preferably on July 14 or 15 from 3 pm to 5 pm.

Revilla’s lawyer, Atty. Raymond Fortun, disclosed Revilla Sr.’s present condition.

“Nakakausap po siya ngayon, gising naman po. Kahapon medyo hindi makausap at matamlay na matamlay po talaga. Talagang medyo nag-alala po ang pamilya. After one day na nasa hospital, as expected, meron namang magandang pagbabago sa kanyang condition,” he said.

(He’s awake and talks [to people] today. Yesterday, he had difficulty talking and was very weak. The family’s really worried. After one day in the hospital, as expected, his condition improved.)

“Kailangan po na medyo tumagal ng kaunti sa ospital dahil medyo maselan ang katawan ni Don Ramon. 88 years old na po siya at hindi po puwedeng ibalewala ang kahit anong karamdaman na makita ng doktor,” he added.

(He has to stay in the hospital for a bit longer because his body’s weak. He’s 88 years old and we cannot overlook any illness the doctor finds.)

Fortun noted that even a three-hour visit would be enough for Revilla.

“Kahit magbigay ng kahit tatlong oras katulad ng binisita niya si Jolo… I’m sure the family will appreciate that enough. Humihingi lang sila ng konting leniency at pasensiya sa husgado,” Fortun said in a radio interview.

(Even if they just allow three hours like his visit to Jolo… I’m sure the family will appreciate that enough. They’re just asking for leniency and patience from the judges.)

Revilla has been detained at the Philippine National Police Custodial Center for allegedly being involved in Janet Lim-Napoles’ multi-bllion pork barrel scam.