BJMP denies 'special treatment' claims for Bong Revilla at QC jail
By Chito Chavez
Bureau of Jail Management and Penology
The Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP) on Friday, March 13, denied allegations that detained former senator Ramon “Bong” Revilla Jr. is receiving preferential treatment at the Quezon City Jail Male Dormitory (QCJMD).
In an interview with the Manila Bulletin, 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 the office of Pacion in Payatas.
Reports also alleged that visitors could see the detained former senator “24/7,” describing the arrangement as “unlimited dalaw” or visit.
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.”
Pacion said even visits at odd hours would not show any special arrangement.
Revilla has been detained at the QCJMD for his alleged involvement in the P92.8 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 said the bureau “takes all allegations seriously and remains open to providing accurate information to ensure that the matter is properly clarified.”
He pointed out that the reports relied on unnamed sources without the BJMP-NCR being contacted for verification or for an official statement.
He stressed that jail officials adhere to the strict policy of zero tolerance against any form of special treatment for PDLs.
“We adhere to established BJMP policies and the directives of the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) and the chief,” Montalvo said.
He also urged proper coordination and verification with the agency “so that reports are based on confirmed and accurate information.”