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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider Rule of law must prevail over friendship, Remulla says of Bong Revilla

Rule of law must prevail over friendship, Remulla says of Bong Revilla

Published Jan 22, 2026 06:45 pm

Close friendship with former senator Ramon "Bong" Revilla should be set aside first in favor of the rule of law, 

Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Juanito Victor “Jonvic’’ Remulla said on Thursday, Jan. 22.

This was emphasized as Remulla cleared that longtime family friend former Senator Bong Revilla has not been accorded any special treatment at the Quezon City Jail Male Dormitory (QCJMD).

He pointed out that public office demands fidelity to duty and the equal application of the law, even when enforcement involves close friends and long-time associates.

“Sino sa inyo may kaibigan na nakulong? It pains me to see a friend go to jail but my commitment to the country goes beyond friendship (Who among you have friends in jail? It pains me to see a friend go to jail but my commitment to the country goes beyond friendship),’’ Remulla maintained.

“Uunahin natin ang bansa. We have our fidelity to duty and it cannot be broken by friendship and by brotherhood (Let us prioritize the country. We have our fidelity to duty and it cannot be broken by friendship and by brotherhood),’’ Remulla affirmed.

“It is our commitment to the country. It is our commitment to the President, it is our commitment to our job,” he added.

Remulla noted the ex-senator  and six others are currently housed in separate cells as part of the mandatory seven-day quarantine required for all newly admitted inmates to check for infectious diseases.

“So after seven days, they will be incorporated in the general (PDL) population,” Remulla explained.

Being a regular inmate, Revilla is a regular inmate and is wearing standard BJMP-issued clothing. 

“He's a regular inmate in Payatas City Jail. Just to be clear,” Remulla said.

Remulla said jail rules are being strictly enforced, including restrictions on food deliveries, cooking and gadget use. 

“Bawal rin po ang gadget. Wala siyang (Revilla) gadget na hawak doon (inside the jail). Wala siyang cellphone, wala siyang iPad, wala siyang personal computer (Gadgets are prohibited. He has no gadget in there. He has no cellphone, he has no iPad, he has no personal computer),’’ Remulla added.

However, Remulla lamented that limited gadget use is allowed only during legal consultations.

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