“While he does not want to abuse this honorable court’s kindness and understanding, Sen. Revilla is again constrained to seek this Honorable Court’s permission, this time to attend the Commencement Exercises of his daughter, Ma. Franzel Loudette Bautista, who will graduate from high school at De La Salle Zobel, Ayala Alabang, Muntinlupa City on March 28, 2015,” Revilla’s four-page motion read.
“The assemble and march of the graduates will start at 2:30 p.m. The program will commence at 3 p.m. and end at 6 p.m.,” it added.
Revilla is currently detained at the PNP Custodial Center in Camp Crame over allegations that he participated in the multi-billion peso pork barrel scam, which saw public funds diverted to bogus non-government organizations owned by businesswoman Janet Lim-Napoles.
Just two weeks ago, a separate division of the anti-graft court allowed another detained senator, Jinggoy Estrada, to attend his son’s graduation.
In his motion, Revilla said his daughter will receive three awards, and that as a father, he would like to be present for the occasion.
“As a testament of her diligence and hard work as a student, Sen. Revilla was informed by his wife, Rep. Lani Mercado Revilla that their daughter, Loudette, will receive the following awards: (a) St. Mutien Marie Award; (b) St. De La Salle Award; and (c) Alfonso Yuchengco National Discipline Award,” his motion read.
“As proud father, Sen. Revilla would want to share this momentous occasion with his daughter for her very important educational achievement and special milestone in her life,” it added.
Revilla is asking the Sandiganbayan to allow him temporary liberty from 2 p.m. to 7 p.m. “or until the time the graduation ceremonies is finished, subject to terms and conditions which this honorable court may impose.”
Earlier this month, Revilla was allowed to visit his son, Cavite Vice Governor Jolo Revilla, in the hospital. The younger Revilla was confined after he accidentally shot himself on the chest with a gun that he was cleaning.
The court has set Revilla’s motion for hearing on Thursday, March 26. —KBK, GMA News
