NEWSFLASH

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ROMMEL PADILLA SURRENDERS, JAILED

Pasig City, June 3, 1998 - Rommel Padilla finally surrendered yesterday, 12 days after he was sentenced in absentia to 8 years in prison for illegal possession of firearms.

Judge Esperanza Fabon-Victorino of the Pasig Regional Trial Court, who sentenced him last May 20, immediately ordered his detention at the New Bilibid Prison in Muntinglupa.

Judge Victorino, who was herself a popular movie star and singer in the 70s, denied the motion of Padilla's lawyers for the actor's temporary liberty. She cited his violation of the conditions for his bail, and for not appearing in court despite due notice. Also weighing heavily against the motion for bail was Rommel's fugitive status when he went into hiding shortly before he was sentenced.

Rommel was accompanied by younger brother Robin Padilla, who himself served three years in Muntinglupa for a similar offense and was released only last April. Also with Rommel was fellow actor George Estregan, brother of President-elect Joseph Estrada.