The Sandiganbayan Third Division has turned down a request from former Senator Ramon “Bong” Revilla Jr. for a temporary furlough to attend the wake of his late brother, Jojo Bautista.
In a resolution dated June 26, the anti-graft court ruled that there was no valid legal basis to authorize his temporary release from detention.
Revilla had sought a four-hour furlough to visit the wake in Imus, Cavite, on either June 27 or 28, accompanied by Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP) escorts. He also requested permission to wear civilian mourning clothes.
The court expressed sympathy for the former lawmaker’s loss but underscored its legal constraints.
“This court deeply commiserates with accused Revilla and his family during this period of profound grief and bereavement. The death of a close family member is indeed a sorrowful event,” the court stated. “Nevertheless, the court’s duty is to determine whether the requested relief is authorized by law and consistent with the court’s obligation to ensure the accused’s continued custody and the orderly administration of justice.”
According to the Third Division, temporary release is strictly limited to bail or recognizance, adding,
“Consequently, there is no law or rule that grants an accused the right to a furlough.”
The court further noted that departing from standard detention protocols requires an emergency or compelling necessity. Following a review of the request, the justices determined that
“the situation presented by accused Revilla could not be considered an emergency or a compelling circumstance that warrants an exception to the general rules imposed on a detained accused.”
Security concerns and public perception were also cited as key factors in the decision. The justices pointed out that granting the request would strain BJMP security resources and
“would also unduly create an impression on the public that accused, being a former high-ranking public official, is a favored detainee over and above other similarly situated detainees.”
As alternatives, the court noted that Revilla could receive family visitors at his detention facility, attend virtual memorial services if available, or send messages through authorized channels.
Ultimately, the anti-graft court found no reason to override general detention rules.
“Consequently, much as this court genuinely sympathizes with the accused’s plight, it finds no sufficient basis to grant the requested furlough,” the resolution stated. “ACCORDINGly, the Urgent Motion for Furlough dated June 26, 2026 filed by accused Ramon Bautista Bong Revilla, Jr., on even date is hereby DENIED for lack of merit.”
Revilla is currently detained at the New Quezon City Jail in Payatas, where he faces graft and malversation charges involving a ₱92.8-million flood-control project in Pandi, Bulacan.