Former Senator Bong Revilla and DPWH execs arraigned for P92.8-M malversation

• Former Senator Bong Revilla Jr. was arraigned by the Sandiganbayan today for a non-bailable malversation case involving ghost projects
• The charges involve a P92.8-million flood control project in Pandi, Bulacan, which was allegedly paid for but never actually constructed
• Revilla is currently detained at the New Quezon City Jail in Payatas, alongside four other co-accused from the DPWH Bulacan office
• The court is also set to hear a motion regarding Revilla's request to be transferred to the PNP Custodial Center for security reasons

Former senator Ramon “Bong” Revilla Jr. appeared before the Sandiganbayan today, January 23, 2026, to address a non-bailable malversation charge stemming from an alleged multimillion-peso "ghost" infrastructure project.

Heavily escorted by the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP), Revilla arrived at the Sandiganbayan Third Division for his formal arraignment.

The former senator, who surrendered to authorities earlier this week, stands accused alongside six former officials of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Bulacan First District Engineering Office.

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The case centers on a P92.8-million flood control project in Pandi, Bulacan, which was reportedly funded and declared "complete" in 2025 despite never having been built.

Prosecutors from the Office of the Ombudsman allege that the accused conspired to falsify documents and disbursement vouchers to facilitate the illegal release of approximately P76 million in public funds.

Revilla's return to the anti-graft court comes seven years after his 2018 acquittal in the controversial pork barrel scam.

Unlike his previous legal battles, the current malversation charge is non-bailable, leading to his recent commitment to the New Quezon City Jail in Payatas.

While he has already posted a P90,000 bail for a separate graft charge related to the same project, the more serious malversation count keeps him in custody.

During his arrival, Revilla’s legal team, led by Atty. Ramon Esguerra, reiterated their client's innocence, echoing the former senator's previous statements that the charges lack due process.

Revilla has consistently maintained that he had no hand in the project’s implementation, describing the allegations as "absolute lies."

Alongside Revilla, former DPWH officials Brice Hernandez, Jaypee Mendoza, Arjay Domasig, and Juanito Mendoza are also being held at the Payatas facility.

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The remaining female co-accused, Emelita Juat and Christina Pineda, the latter arrested while allegedly attempting to evade authorities in Benguet, are currently detained at the Quezon City Jail Female Dormitory.

The Sandiganbayan is set to conduct a pre-trial conference following the arraignment. The court will also hear an omnibus motion filed by Revilla’s camp seeking his transfer to the PNP Custodial Center in Camp Crame, citing potential security risks within the general jail population.

A prominent figure in Philippine entertainment and governance, Ramon “Bong” Revilla Jr. first captured the public eye as a major action star in the 1990s. Beyond the screen, he has held numerous high-ranking political roles, including serving as a multi-term Senator and Governor of Cavite. A member of a deep-rooted political family, he remains a highly recognizable and influential personality.

In related news, following her husband’s detention over allegations concerning a "ghost" flood control project, Representative Lani Mercado has officially requested that the public and the media exercise fairness and respect for the ongoing judicial process. Mercado emphasized that since the cases are now formally under the court's jurisdiction, she will refrain from making further public statements to maintain the sanctity of the legal proceedings. The congresswoman clarified that she has not issued any previous official remarks and intends to let the facts speak within the courtroom rather than in the court of public opinion. Despite the gravity of the situation, the Revilla family reportedly remains grounded in their faith, staying optimistic that a just and impartial conclusion will be reached by the Sandiganbayan.

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Also in related news, Representative Jolo Revilla broke his silence to clarify that his father’s decision to surrender was a proactive choice intended to address the legal allegations directly rather than an attempt to flee from accountability. Amidst the scheduled arraignment on January 23, the Revilla family and their legal team gathered at the anti-graft court to demonstrate their collective support for the former senator and their belief in Philippine legal institutions. The younger Revilla issued a heartfelt appeal to observers and journalists, urging them to allow the justice system to operate based on evidence and facts rather than premature speculation or noise. While acknowledging that the current situation is a personal and difficult trial for their family, Jolo stressed his commitment to the principle of due process and his father's willingness to face his accusers in court.

Source: KAMI.com.gh