Sandiganbayan OKs Bong Revilla furlough for dental check-up

The Sandiganbayan has approved detained former Senator Ramon "Bong" Revilla Jr.'s request for a furlough to undergo a dental check-up, oral prophylaxis, and implant cleaning on June 18.

In the minutes of the proceedings held on Thursday, the First Division said its grants Revilla's motion "for humanitarian considerations," there being no objection from the prosecution.

"Accused Revilla is authorized to undergo dental check-up, oral prophylaxis and implant cleaning on June 19, 2018 for two hours from 2:00 p,m. at the Gan Advanced Osseointegration Center," the Sandiganbayan said.

Revilla, through his lawyers, said the check-up was the result of his follow-up dental routine with Dr. Steve Mark Gan on April 18.

The Sandiganbayan directed Philippine National Police chief Director General Oscar Albayalde and the court's Sheriff to provide the necessary escorts and security measures.

Revilla, however, is prohibited from using any means of communication and electronic gadgets during the check-up. He is also told to shoulder all expenses incurred during that time.

Revilla is facing a plunder charge at the Sandiganbayan over his alleged misappropriation of P224.5 million worth of pork barrel funds by channeling them to the fake foundations of scheme mastermind Janet Lim Napoles.

His camp has yet to present evidence related to his defense following another delay in the proceedings on Thursday morning. — BM, GMA News