The Sandiganbayan Third Division has denied former Senator Ramon 'Bong' Revilla Jr.'s request for temporary liberty to attend the wake of his late half-brother, Jojo Bautista.

The anti-graft court emphasized that while the loss of a sibling is a personal tragedy, Revilla's justification did not meet the threshold required to override the court's duty to maintain secure custody over accused individuals, especially given the gravity of his pending malversation case involving a P92.8-million flood control project in Pandi, Bulacan.

The court cited security concerns, noting that granting permission would strain the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology's resources and create perceptions of preferential treatment.

Revilla sought to attend the wake on June 27 or 28, but the Third Division found no physical structure at the project site, underscoring the seriousness of the charges against him.The resolution also highlighted alternative ways for Revilla to express condolences without compromising judicial integrity.This decision reflects the court's prioritization of legal procedures over personal circumstances in high-profile cases.