Former Sen. Bong Revilla faces court as loyal fans gather in support

• Former Senator Bong Revilla Jr. appeared before the Sandiganbayan on Tuesday, January 20, following his voluntary surrender to authorities the night before
• The anti-graft court issued a warrant of arrest and a hold departure order against Revilla in connection with a non-bailable malversation case
• Dozens of supporters dressed in white gathered outside the court building to express their loyalty and belief in the former lawmaker’s innocence
• The case involves allegations of a P92.8 million "ghost" flood control project in Bulacan that was reportedly paid for but never actually implemented

The halls of the Sandiganbayan were filled with tension on Tuesday as former Senator Ramon "Bong" Revilla Jr. arrived to face the court. But outside the building, the atmosphere was one of unwavering loyalty. A large crowd of supporters, mostly dressed in white, lined up early in the morning to catch a glimpse of the actor-turned-politician, holding up placards that read, “Mahal ka namin Senator Bong Revilla” and “Kaisa mo kami sa laban na ito.”

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Revilla’s appearance in court follows a whirlwind 24 hours. On Monday evening, January 19, 2026, the former senator chose to surrender voluntarily after the Sandiganbayan’s Third Division released a warrant for his arrest and a hold departure order. The charges are serious: he is facing a non-bailable case of malversation through falsification of public documents.

Before turning himself in at Camp Crame, Revilla took to Facebook to speak directly to his followers. In a somber video, he expressed his frustration with the sudden turn of events. “Nakatanggap po kami ng impormasyon na lumabas na ang aking warrant of arrest,” he began. “Nakakalungkot po parang wala yatang due process. Pero gayunpaman, haharapin ko ito nang walang takot at alam kong hindi ako pababayaan ng Diyos dahil wala po akong kasalanan dito.”

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The controversy stems from a 2024 flood control project that investigators claim was a "ghost project." According to testimonies, including one from former DPWH District Engineer Henry Alcantara, multi-million peso insertions in the General Appropriations Act were allegedly intended for Revilla to fund his 2025 senatorial campaign. Revilla, who ultimately lost his reelection bid last May, has firmly denied these claims, stating, “I deny. Wala po akong kinalaman diyan.”

Ramon "Bong" Revilla Jr. is no stranger to the spotlight or the courtroom. A massive star in Philippine cinema before entering politics, he has spent decades balancing his life as an "Action King" and a public servant. While he was previously acquitted in a plunder case years ago, this new legal hurdle regarding infrastructure projects in Bulacan presents a fresh challenge to his legacy. Despite the gravity of the charges, his fans remain convinced that their "Idol" will once again overcome the storm.

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As the legal proceedings continue, the public remains divided on the issue. This isn't the first time the former senator has made headlines for his high-profile connections and legal battles. Here are some of the previous stories that caught the public's attention on Kami.com.ph.

Actress Kris Bernal recently shared a lighthearted moment on social media featuring herself alongside two of the country's most famous "actor-senators," Bong Revilla and Jinggoy Estrada. The post, which fans described as having a "BFF" (Best Friends Forever) vibe, quickly gained thousands of likes and comments from netizens. It showcased a different, more relaxed side of the lawmakers outside the halls of the Senate.

The anti-graft court has officially ordered the arrest of former Senator Bong Revilla in relation to the P92.8 million "ghost" flood control project in Bulacan. Along with the arrest warrant, a Hold Departure Order was issued to prevent the former lawmaker from leaving the country while the case is ongoing. This news follows months of investigations into alleged kickbacks involving various DPWH officials and high-ranking politicians.

Source: KAMI.com.gh