The Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP) denied on Friday, March 13, allegations that detained former senator Ramon “Bong” Revilla Jr. is receiving preferential treatment at the Quezon City Jail Male Dormitory (QCJMD).
In an interview, QCJMD warden Supt. Maria Lourdes Pacion said the former lawmaker remains in his designated cell with other persons deprived of liberty (PDLs), rejecting claims that he has a special detention area.
The issue surfaced after reports claimed that Revilla now occupies a separate air-conditioned detention area with a “special comfort room” for visitors beside Pacion’s office in Payatas.
Reports also alleged that visitors could see the detained former senator “24/7,” describing the arrangement as “unlimited dalaw” or visitation.
Pacion brushed off the “baseless claims,” asserting that visits to the QCJMD “are most welcome” to prove that Revilla remains in his designated cell “at all times.” She added that even visits at odd hours would not reveal any special arrangement.
Revilla has been detained at the QCJMD for his alleged involvement in the ₱92.8 million ghost flood control project in Pandi, Bulacan.
Meanwhile, BJMP National Capital Region Director Chief Supt. Baby Noel Montalvo said the bureau is open to scrutiny.
He emphasized that the BJMP “takes all allegations seriously and remains open to providing accurate information to ensure that the matter is properly clarified.”
Montalvo pointed out that the reports relied on unnamed sources without contacting the BJMP-NCR for verification or an official statement.
He stressed that jail officials adhere to a strict policy of zero tolerance against any form of special treatment for PDLs. (Chito Chavez)
