Former senator Bong Revilla’s swift surrender to the Philippine National Police (PNP) following the issuance of an arrest warrant has been hailed by acting PNP chief Lt. Gen. Jose Melencio C. Nartatez as a model of respect for the rule of law, underscoring how public figures should face criminal allegations with transparency and accountability.
Revilla surrendered just hours after an arrest warrant was issued against him in connection with the multi-million flood control project in Bulacan.
Nartatez noted that Revilla voluntarily went to Camp Crame in Quezon City on Monday night, accompanied by his wife, children, and legal counsel.
For Nartatez, this is the proper way for those accused in criminal cases to respond to allegations—by showing respect for the rule of law and established legal procedures.
“The declaration of innocence on allegations and charges should come with equal courage and dedication to face the accusers in court as a show of respect to the legal process,” said Nartatez.
“The Philippine National Police has been accommodating to all those who respect the rule of law and the legal process, but is tough against those who defy and disrespect them,” he stressed.
Nartatez said he immediately ordered the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) to serve the arrest warrant issued by the Sandiganbayan for graft and malversation charges as part of the legal process.
“The warrant was duly implemented, and the former senator was formally informed of the nature of his arrest and his constitutional rights,” he said.
Revilla later underwent the standard booking and documentation procedures that include medical examination and other proof of identity that would be presented to the court which issued the warrant.
RETURN OF THE WARRANT
The CIDG presented Revilla to the Sandiganbayan, which will decide on where he would be detained.
PNP spokesperson Brig. Gen. Randulf Tuaño said Revilla’s wife and children stayed at Camp Crame overnight as the PNP prepared to return the arrest warrant issued by the 3rd Division of the Sandiganbayan.
The graft and malversation cases that Revilla is facing are non-bailable offenses.
Revilla, accompanied by escorted by Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Jonvic Remulla, arrived at the Sandiganbayan on Tuesday, Jan. 20.
The anti-graft court is expected to issue a commitment order as to where Revilla would be detained.
Nartatez also ordered the CIDG and other police units to start the operation to serve the arrest warrant against all the co-accused of Revilla in the case, particularly those who are yet to be accounted for.
“We encourage the other co-accused and all the fugitives to surrender and face the charges against them. Surrender is always a good choice but in case they choose to hide, then we will find them,” said Nartatez. (Aaron Recuenco)
