Gigi Reyes stays in Taguig jail – Sandigan

MANILA, Philippines (UPDATED) – The 3rd division of the anti-graft court Sandiganbayan denied on Tuesday, August 5, the bid of lawyer Jessica Lucila “Gigi” Reyes’ to reverse an order denying her transfer to the Philippine National Police (PNP) Custodial Center from a jail in Taguig City.

In a press conference, 3rd division clerk of court Dennis Pulma said the motion was denied for lack of merit.

“The Bureau of Jail Management and Penology in Camp Bagong Diwa is reminded to keep accused Jessica Lucila G. Reyes in its custody and not allow said accused to be moved, removed, or be relocated without orders from the court,” the resolution read.

Reyes, who is facing plunder and graft charges in relation to the misuse of Senator Juan Ponce Enrile’s pork barrel, will remain in her current place of detention at the BJMP female dormitory in Camp Bagong Diwa, Taguig City. 

Reyes earlier asked to be transferred to a detention facility where there is a tertiary hospital nearby, preferably the PNP Custodial Center. 

She earlier complained of chest pains, but her attending physician eventually cleared her of any cardiovascular disease.

Instead, Reyes was diagnosed of mixed anxiety disorder. She likewise was said to have suicidal tendencies. 

But the court ruled that “no adequately established compelling medical reason” exists to warrant Reyes’ requested transfer.

In her motion, Reyes claimed her security was at risk at the Taguig jail. The facility houses suspected members of the rebel group New People’s Army (NPA).

The court, however, said Reyes’ fear was subjective – she perceives a threat where there is no clear evidence of such.

The court also noted that the hostility or antagonism of alleged NPA members, if any, was directed at her former boss, Senator Enrile, and not at her.

Reyes is the former chief of staff of Senator Enrile. The two are accused of conspiring to plunder P172 million of Enrile’s Priority Development Assitance Fund PDAF. – Rappler.com