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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider DOJ starts hearings in February plunder charges vs. Jinggoy Estrada, Bong Revilla in flood control mess

DOJ starts hearings in February plunder charges vs. Jinggoy Estrada, Bong Revilla in flood control mess

Published Jan 27, 2026 06:08 pm
The Department of Justice (DOJ) is set to start this February the preliminary investigation of the plunder charges filed against Sen. Jinggoy Estrada and former senator Ramon “Bong” Revilla Jr. in the “anomalous” flood control projects.
“Preliminary investigation hearings for the plunder cases are scheduled on Feb 2 and 12,” said DOJ Spokesperson Raphael Niccolo L. Martinez on Tuesday, Jan. 27.
Martinez said the first setting is for receipt of the complaint only but they are directed to appear on said dates.
He also said the subpoenas have already been issued and the DOJ is now waiting for the completion of the service of the copies to the respondents.
He noted that Estrada and Revilla are facing separate plunder cases which will be handled by different panels of prosecutors.
He said that Estrada’s co-respondent in the plunder case is former Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) secretary Manuel M. Bonoan.
There are three plunder cases pending before the DOJ involving the flood control mess.
Martinez said the third plunder case is against Senator Joel Villanueva.
At the same time, Martinez said the DOJ’s panel of prosecutors has issued a resolution on the five tax evasion cases filed by the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) against contractor spouses Pacifico “Curlee” Discaya and Cezarah “Sarah” Discaya.
While three of the cases have been dismissed, “two cases will be filed with the CTA (Court of Tax Appeals),” he said.
He added that “the complaints are for violations of Sections 254 (Willful Attempt to Evade or Defeat Taxes) and 255 (Willful Failure to Supply Correct and Accurate Information) of the NIRC (National Internal Revenue Code).”
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