Sandiganbayan releases arrest warrants for Revilla, 6 DPWH Bulacan officials

MANILA, January 20 ------ The Sandiganbayan Third Division released on Monday arrest warrants and hold departure orders against former Senator Ramon "Bong" Revilla Jr. and six DPWH Bulacan 1st District Engineering Office accused in a malversation case over a ghost flood control project in Pandi, Bulacan.

Attorney Dennis Pulma, Executive Clerk of Court of the Sandiganbayan confirmed they have issued the arrest warrants against the accused. "After a careful review of the resolution and its supporting documents, as well as the records, the court finds that probable cause exists in this case," read the Jan. 19 resolution penned by Associate Justice Karl Miranda. The court also ordered the Commissioner of the Bureau of Immigration to include the names of the accused in their Hold Departure List.

In a video statement, Revilla said he was informed of the issuance of the arrest warrant and lamented the seeming lack of due process. “Nakatanggap po kami ng impormasyon na lumabas po ang aking warrant of arrest. Nakakalungkot po, parang wala po yatang due process,” he said. Nonetheless, he said he will face the charges, as he reiterated 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,” Revilla said.

According to the prosecution, the respondents allegedly 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. The respondents were found to have falsified accomplishment reports, issued fraudulent billing documents, and endorsed disbursement vouchers.

Revilla’s co-accused are Assistant District Engr. Bryce Hernandez, Engr. Jaypee Mendoza, Engr. Arjay Domasig, Engr. Emelita Juat, Juanito Mendoza, and Christina Pineda. The National Bureau of Investigation, armed with the warrants, arrested Hernandez and Mendoza at the Senate premises Monday night.

Sotto said he authorized the arrest and the warrants were properly served. The cases originated from a complaint filed by the National Bureau of Investigation-Bulacan South District Office (NBI-BSDO) following their investigation on the project. Revilla, who was previously acquitted of plunder charges in relation to the alleged misuse of his Priority Development Assistance Fund (PDAF), was tagged in the flood control mess after former DPWH Usec. Roberto Bernardo made allegations that he received kickbacks in exchange for endorsing flood control projects. The former senator repeatedly denied the allegations.

Source: news.abs-cbn.com