Sandiganbayan Denies Ex-Senator Revilla's Furlough Request

The Sandiganbayan Third Division denied former senator Bong Revilla's motion for furlough, ruling the request lacked merit. Revilla is detained at a Quezon City jail while facing a malversation through falsification case over an alleged ghost project in Pandi, Bulacan.

He filed an urgent motion last Monday to visit his brother's wake in Cavite on June 27 or 28 for up to four hours. The court expressed sympathy but said the situation did not qualify as an emergency or compelling circumstance that would justify an exception to detention rules.

Granting furlough would strain the security capabilities of the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology, the court added. It would also create a public impression that Revilla, as a former high-ranking official, receives favored treatment over other detainees.

The court noted alternatives exist. Subject to detention authorities' approval, Revilla may receive visits from immediate bereaved family members, join religious services virtually if the facility has the necessary equipment, or communicate with his family through allowed means.

The Office of the Ombudsman filed the case in January 2026 against Revilla and six others: Juanito Mendoza, Brice Hernandez, Arjay Domasig, Emelita Juat, Christina Mae Pineda, and Jaypee Mendoza. Revilla refused to enter a plea during his February arraignment, prompting the court to enter a not guilty plea on his behalf. The other co-accused pleaded not guilty.

Revilla and some co-accused filed bail petitions. The court held bail hearings on several dates starting April 6 but has not yet issued a ruling.