MANILA, Philippines (UPDATED) – Former senator Jinggoy Estrada was all smiles when he gained  temporary freedom on Saturday, September 17, and expressed hope that former senator Ramon “Bong” Revilla Jr would also be granted bail after over 3 years in detention

In an interview at the anti-graft court  Sandiganbayan after he was officially released, the former senator was asked what he thought about the chances of Revilla who was set to file another petition for bail following the favorable court ruling on Estrada.

“I’m praying hard,” Estrada said, when asked about his hopes for Revilla’s chances. (READ: Will Jinggoy’s bail be approved? Bong believes so, jokes he’s packing up)

Estrada said he left some words of encouragement for his friend. “Sabi ko lakasan niya loob niya, at balang araw ay makakamit din niya ang kanyang kalayaan (I told him to be strong, and someday he will be free).” (READ: Bong Revilla in plunder trial: I will be free soon)

In an interview in Camp Crame before he headed to the Sandiganbayan, Estrada admitted having “mixed feelings” about his bail grant.

The source of his incomplete joy was apparently his buddy, Revilla, who remained in detention for the same charges of plunder and graft over the pork barrel scam.

“[Meron akong] mixed feelings kasi ‘yung kaibigan ko naiwan ko doon eh (I have mixed feelings because I left my friend there),” Estrada told reporters at Camp Crame before he left for the anti-graft court Sandiganbayan to finalize the process for his release.

In an interview with reporters at the Sandiganbayan, Estrada was asked who he would miss in Camp Crame. “Si Bong Revilla. Sino pa (Bong Revilla. Who else)?” he said.

Estrada and Revilla were both arrested and detained just days apart in June 2014.

WATCH: Former Senator Jinggoy Estrada has "mixed emotions" about his temporary freedom. pic.twitter.com/09j8mZHLQR

— Rambo Talabong (@rambotalabong) September 16, 2017

Revilla is expected to employ the same legal tactic in his new petition for bail.  (READ: SC acquittal of Arroyo helps Jinggoy Estrada get bail) – With a report from Lian Buan/Rappler.com