One week after being committed to the New Quezon City Jail Male Dormitory, former Senator Ramon “Bong” Revilla Jr. has taken another step into detention life.
This time, there are no special quarters.
According to the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP), Revilla has been transferred to the jail’s general population and is now sharing an ordinary cell with six other persons deprived of liberty. These inmates, jail officials stressed, have no connection to the controversial flood control project case in Bulacan.
The move came after Revilla and four of his co-accused completed the mandatory seven-day medical quarantine required for all newly admitted inmates.
The charges they face are serious—malversation of public funds through falsification of public documents—linked to an alleged ₱92.8-million ghost flood control project in Pandi, Bulacan.
On Tuesday, BJMP officials confirmed that the five were moved into regular cells alongside other low-risk inmates.
“They are now part of the general population, placed in an ordinary cell with other PDLs,” said Jail Superintendent Jayrex Bustinera, BJMP spokesperson.
Bustinera clarified that Revilla’s cellmates are considered low-risk based on careful security, medical, and legal assessments. They are ordinary inmates, unconnected to the high-profile case.
Revilla’s co-accused—including former district assistant engineers Brice Hernandez and Jaypee Mendoza—were also assigned to separate cells with other low-risk detainees.
Despite the move, BJMP officials emphasized that heightened security remains in place.
“This is not VIP treatment,” Bustinera said. “The security measures are there because of the nature of the case. It’s high-profile, and we want to make sure everyone remains safe while under our custody.”
Before his transfer, Revilla received another visit from family and close friends.
Leading the visit was his wife, Cavite 2nd District Representative Lani Mercado, along with their sons—Cavite 1st District Rep. Jolo Revilla and AGIMAT Party-list Rep. Bryan Revilla.
Asked if the family was worried now that Revilla is part of the general population, Mercado gave a quiet, heartfelt answer.
“We’re praying that he will be safe,” she said.
She added that Revilla has been eating and sleeping well.
Still, the emotional weight of the situation is undeniable.
Bryan Revilla admitted the family is doing its best to stay strong.
“He is coping,” he said. “Right now, we’re staying strong as a family. It’s hard to explain how I really feel. It’s a very difficult position to be in.”
Also paying a visit were Revilla’s sister, former Antipolo Mayor Andrea Bautista-Ynares, and longtime friend Niño Muhlach—who came bearing a small comfort: ensaymada.
“He’s okay,” Muhlach said softly. “He didn’t say much, but he’s sad. Anyone would be, if they were jailed.”
For now, Revilla and his co-accused remain behind bars at the Quezon City Jail as their cases continue before the Sandiganbayan.
And inside those concrete walls, life moves forward—one day at a time.
