Bong Revilla files motion to post bail in P92.8-M 'ghost' flood control case in Bulacan
Former senator Ramon “Bong” Revilla Jr. filed a petition before the Sandiganbayan to post bail on his case for non-bailable malversation of public funds in the P92.8 million “ghost” flood control project in Pandi, Bulacan.
Sandiganbayan Third Division Clerk of Court Dennis Pulma confirmed that Revilla, who is currently detained at the New Quezon City Jail - Male Dormitory in Payatas, filed the petition on Friday, Feb. 20.
Earlier, Revilla had filed a motion seeking his transfer to the Philippine National Police (PNP) Custodial Center in Camp Crame, Quezon City as he expressed concerns over his safety and security against gang-related violence.
However, the Sandiganbayan justices denied his motion after personally inspecting the detention facility in Payatas, where he is currently detained together with his co-accused officials from the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Bulacan 1st District Engineering Office.
Revilla, together with Assistant District Engineer Brice Hernandez, Engineer Jaypee Mendoza, Engineer R.J. Domasig, Engineer Emelita Juat, Accountant Juanito Mendoza, and Cashier Christina Mae Pineda, were charged with violation of Article 217 in relation to Articles 171 and 172 of the Revised Penal Code on malversation of public funds through falsification of public documents.
The charge against them alleged that Revilla and his co-accused conspired to facilitate the release of approximately P76 million for the supposed construction of the P72.8 million flood control project in Purok 5, Barangay Bunsuran, Pandi, Bulacan, a project which, based on official inspection and witness accounts, was “never implemented."
They were also charged with graft in violation of Section 3(e) of Republic Act No. 3019, the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act, before the anti-graft court’s fourth division.
In both cases, Revilla had refused to enter a plea when arraigned and thus the court recorded a plea of “not guilty.” His co-accused pleaded “not guilty” to both charges.