FORMER Senator Ramon “Bong” Revilla Jr. turned himself in to authorities Monday night after a warrant was issued for his arrest. The warrant stems from a malversation case linked to an alleged “ghost” flood control project in Bulacan.
In a video statement, Revilla expressed his disappointment, stating, “Nakatanggap po kami ng impormasyon na lumabas po ang aking warrant of arrest. Nakakalungkot po, parang wala po yatang due process (We received information that an arrest warrant against me has been issued. It is sad because there seems to be a lack of due process).”
Despite his concerns about due process, Revilla asserted that he would face the charges and maintained his innocence. “Pero gayun pa man, haharapin ko ito ng walang takot. At alam kong hindi ako papabayaan ng Diyos dahil wala akong kasalanan dito (Despite that, I will face the charges without fear. And I know that God will not forsake me because I am innocent),” Revilla said. Initial reports indicated that he surrendered to the police Criminal Investigation and Detection Group in Camp Crame.
The Sandiganbayan Third Division had earlier released arrest warrants and hold departure orders against Revilla and six DPWH Bulacan 1st District Engineering Office officials accused in the malversation case over the alleged “ghost” flood control project in Pandi, Bulacan.
The prosecution alleges that the respondents conspired to facilitate the release of P76 million for the construction of a P92.8 million flood control project in Pandi, Bulacan, which was declared completed but never implemented based on inspection and witness accounts.
Revilla, who was previously acquitted of plunder charges related to the alleged misuse of his Priority Development Assistance Fund (PDAF), was implicated in the flood control case after former DPWH Usec. Roberto Bernardo alleged that he received kickbacks in exchange for endorsing flood control projects.
