Metro Manila (CNN Philippines) — Detained Senator Ramon “Bong” Revilla Jr. revealed he had plans to run for president next year.
But his pork scam cases got in the way.
Revilla is one of three senators facing plunder and graft cases and is accused of funneling his pork barrel to bogus non-government organizations.
For now, the senator said he has no choice but to set aside politics, and focus on clearing his name.
Revilla has been detained for about a year and three months at the Philippine National Police (PNP) custodial center.
No rush
Revilla said he is in not in a hurry – he is still young, and will have future chances to fulfill his political plans.
Revilla was at the Sandiganbayan on Wednesday (September 30) for a scheduled pre-trial hearing on his plunder case.
His trial, however, will be pushed back to next year. Both the prosecution and defense have yet to finish marking and comparing their evidence.
The court allowed both parties more time to finish their work, but also warned them to maximize the extension period.
Justices of the First Division apparently got word that the parties sometimes come late to scheduled conferences.
The senator admitted that he is growing impatient over the delays. But he also recognizes the fact that he cannot control the course of the cases.
His pre-trial hearing was reset on February 4th.
