Ex-Camarines Norte gov wants to be detained in provincial jail

After several years of evading authorities, former Camarines Norte Gov. Casimiro “Roy” Padilla Jr. on Monday personally pleaded to the Sandiganbayan to allow him to be detained in the provincial jail instead of the New Bilibid Prison in Muntinlupa City.

In a three–page motion filed before the Sandiganbayan First Division, the eldest brother of actor Robin Padilla pointed out that under the Revised Administrative Code of the Philippines, a convicted person sentenced to a maximum of three years of imprisonment or a fine of not more than P1,000 shall be considered a provincial prisoner instead of a national prisoner.

“Accused’s sentence is less than three years, per the afore-cited Administrative Circular, he is classified as provincial prisoner,” Padilla’s motion read.

“Since the crime of which he has been convicted was committed in the Province of Camarines Norter, he shall serve his sentence in the provincial jail of said province,” it added.

Last November 2012, the First Division found Padilla guilty of malversation of public property over his failure to return to the provincial government a .45 caliber pistol and ammunition amounting to P7,462 issued by the Philippine National Police (PNP) in 1992 during his term as governor.

The First Division sentenced him to a minimum of four months and one day to a maximum of two years and four months of imprisonment. He was also ordered perpetually disqualified from holding public office and to pay a fine of P200.

Padilla appealed the Sandiganbayan’s ruling before the Supreme Court but the high tribunal upheld the anti-graft court’s ruling in 2014.

Following the SC’s final ruling, the First Division issued an arrest order against Padilla on July 31, 2014.

The former governor, however, remained at large, and was reported by a private citizen as “still actively visible in Camarines Norte." This prompted the First Division to issue an alias arrest order in October 2015.

Last Friday, Padilla was finally arrested by the operatives of the PNP Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) in Daet, Camarines Norte.

Padilla said he was ready to serve his sentence, but insisted that the charges against him were politically motivated.

The First Division has yet to issue a commitment order on where Padilla should be detained.

“Wherefore, premises considered, it is most respectfully prayed that the Honorable Court orders that the sentence of accused be served in the provincial jail of Camarines Norte,” Padilla said in his motion.

Padilla, who remains under the custody of the CIDG, refused to grant an interview with the media. —ALG, GMA News