MANILA - It was a family reunion that lasted an hour.

Former senator Ramon "Bong" Revilla Jr.'s visit to his father the night of his release from detention was long awaited.

The younger Revilla last saw his father Ramon Revilla Sr on Nov. 17 after he was allowed to visit the ailing family patriarch at the hospital for 5 hours.

"Ito wala nang oras, wala nang limits, puwede na silang magkita kahit anong oras, kahit anong panahon, finally," the younger Revilla's wife Lani Mercado said.

• Bong Revilla cleared of plunder in pork barrel scam case

Anti-graft court Sandiganbayan on Friday acquitted him of plunder over his alleged involvement in the multibillion-peso Priority Development Assistance Fund (PDAF) scam.

At the elder Revilla's mansion, the acquitted lawmaker hugged, shook hands with, and posed for pictures with an overjoyed and emotional Revilla Sr.

The younger Revilla's siblings, his wife, and children also had portraits snapped at the quick get-together.

The reunion was the former senator's second stopover in Cavite after leaving the detention center.

Before the reunion, Revilla Jr and his family visited Imus Cathedral.

After 4 years in detention, the younger Revilla would use the weekend to rest before appearing in public in the coming weeks, Mercado said.

He would also take time to heal his right hand, which had become swollen from boxing practice.

Mercado said her husband's main priority would be spending time with family.

Asked about their plan for Christmas, the Bacoor City mayor said they would likely stay home.

With their youngest son Ramboy arriving in the country at Christmas and eldest daughter Inah being based in Davao, Mercado said they would only be complete on Dec. 25.

"Sa araw ng Pasko lang kami magkakasama, so he wants to celebrate it here at hindi lalabas ng bansa," she said. "Importante lang magkasama-sama kami."