Bong Revilla’s arraignment over Bulacan 'ghost' project allegations postponed to Feb 16

• The Sandiganbayan has moved Bong Revilla’s arraignment to February 16 to resolve pending motions regarding his malversation charges
• Five co-accused DPWH officials have pleaded not guilty to allegations involving a ₱92.8-million ghost project in Pandi, Bulacan
• Prosecutors allege that ₱76 million was released for a flood control facility that was never built, based on official site inspections
• The court denied Revilla's request for a transfer to PNP custody, confirming that his current jail in Payatas meets all security standards

The Sandiganbayan’s Third Division has once again postponed the formal reading of charges against former Senator Ramon “Bong” Revilla Jr. and his co-accused in a high-profile malversation case.

The delay, announced on Monday, February 9, 2026, stems from unresolved motions questioning the validity of the allegations tied to a controversial infrastructure project in Bulacan.

The court rescheduled the arraignment for Revilla and former DPWH Bulacan finance chief Juanito Mendoza to February 16, 2026.

Read also

New CCTV footage reveals the final movements of suspects in the Mollenido double murder

The postponement allows the court more time to address the defense’s appeals, which include a challenge to a February 5 resolution that denied their initial request to dismiss the case.

While Revilla and Mendoza’s proceedings were paused, five other former DPWH officials—Brice Hernandez, Jaypee Mendoza, Arjay Domasig, Emelita Juat, and Christina Pineda—proceeded with their arraignment, all entering pleas of "not guilty."

At the heart of the legal battle is a ₱92.8-million flood control project in Pandi, Bulacan.

Ombudsman prosecutors allege that Revilla and his co-defendants conspired to siphon off approximately ₱76 million for the construction of a drainage facility that investigators claim never actually existed.

According to official inspections and witness testimonies, the site remained untouched despite the funds being fully released.

Revilla, who was greeted by a crowd of vocal supporters outside the courthouse, maintained a cheerful demeanor, briefly telling reporters, "I love you all."

His legal team continues to argue that the charges lack merit and that the former lawmaker had no direct involvement in the project's implementation.

The hearing also touched upon Revilla's current living conditions. The Sandiganbayan recently rejected his plea to be moved to the PNP Custodial Center, ruling that his current placement at the Quezon City Jail Male Dormitory in Payatas is both safe and sufficient.

Read also

Two more suspects in the Bulacan police officer slay surrender amid ₱1M bounty

The court noted that justices personally inspected the Payatas facility on January 23, finding the security measures adequate for a high-profile detainee.

Revilla had previously expressed concerns over personal safety and potential harassment within the public jail system, claims the court found to be without legal or factual basis.

A household name in the Philippines, Ramon “Bong” Revilla Jr. transitioned from a celebrated 1990s action cinema icon to a veteran political figure. His extensive career in public service includes tenures as a multi-term Senator and the Governor of Cavite. Hailing from a powerful political lineage, he remains a central and highly influential figure in both the legislative and entertainment sectors.

In can be recalled that the Sandiganbayan’s Third Division has moved the formal reading of charges against former Senator Bong Revilla Jr. to February 16, 2026, pending the resolution of various defense motions. The legal battle centers on a ₱92.8-million infrastructure project in Pandi, Bulacan, which investigators claim was funded but never actually built. The anti-graft court recently inspected the Quezon City Jail in Payatas, confirming that the facility's security is sufficient for Revilla and his four co-accused from the DPWH. The court rejected Revilla's request to be relocated to the PNP Custodial Center, ruling there was no factual basis to support his claims of potential harm within the general jail population.

Read also

Annabelle Rama breaks her silence on husband Eddie Gutierrez’s death hoaxes

Previously, Representative Lani Mercado-Revilla has publicly appealed for impartiality and respect for due process as the judicial review of her husband’s cases moves forward. Mercado clarified that she has not issued extensive public statements and intends to let the legal proceedings speak for themselves without further commentary. The congresswoman shared that their family is leaning on their spiritual convictions to remain hopeful for a resolution that is both fair and just. While maintaining confidence in the justice system, Mercado noted that the family’s primary concern during the detention period is the personal safety of the former senator.

Source: KAMI.com.gh