Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla on Wednesday explained that his decision to personally accompany former Senator Ramon “Bong” Revilla Jr. to the Sandiganbayan was a “last act of friendship,” stressing that no special treatment was given to the former lawmaker.
Remulla’s remarks came after questions were raised about his presence during Revilla’s surrender and allegations of preferential handling.
“Accused pa lang siya ‘di ba? Hindi pa siya arraigned at hindi ko naman tinago sa inyo na kaibigan ko talaga siya,” Remulla said.
“Pero ipinaliwanag ko rin sa inyo na the law is the law, there are no special favors, I have to do my job so sabi ko ako na maghahatid sa ‘yo,” he added.
The Interior chief said he deliberately left once Revilla was turned over to authorities to avoid any perception of interference.
“Hindi ko na hinintay ‘yung commitment niya kasi kung andoon ako sa commitment order, baka akala ng tao I am manipulating things. So, the Sandiganbayan did their job, nag-assign kung saan makukulong, wala akong kinalaman doon,” he said.
Remulla also denied claims that authorities withheld photos of Revilla’s booking procedures, clarifying that neither he nor Revilla’s camp made such a request. He said he would seek documentation from the Philippine National Police (PNP) to address the issue.
He further explained why Revilla was not handcuffed or made to wear a detainee shirt, unlike some of his co-accused from the Department of Public Works and Highways.
“Confined sa Senate so considered deprived of liberty na sila. Si Sen. Bong naman, voluntarily nag-surrender at pagdating na doon, that’s the end, ayun na ‘yung may last act of friendship para sa kanya na ihatid siya doon,” he said.
Remulla emphasized that Revilla was detained in a regular cell and treated like any other inmate.
He added that President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. had given clear instructions that Revilla be treated with respect and fairness.