Former senator Ramon “Bong” Revilla Jr. surrendered Monday night to the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) at Camp Crame, hours after a warrant of arrest was issued against him. The move is in connection with a serious case of malversation and falsification of public documents involving a flood control project in Bulacan.
Revilla arrived at around 9:00 p.m., accompanied by senior police officers. He did not make a statement to the media and immediately went straight to the main building of the Philippine National Police (PNP). According to authorities, he was informed of his Miranda rights and underwent booking and medical procedures while awaiting a decision on his detention status.
Earlier that day, the Sandiganbayan Third Division issued a warrant against Revilla and several other former officials of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) in Bulacan. The case is considered non-bailable, in connection with the alleged ₱92.8-million ghost flood control project that was allegedly never implemented but was declared complete.
Based on the court's resolution, there is sufficient probable cause to arrest the accused and issue a hold departure order (HDO). It was also revealed that documents were believed to be falsified to release funds even though there was no actual construction. Copies of the warrant were immediately sent to law enforcement agencies for immediate execution.
Revilla continues to deny the allegations through his lawyers. Meanwhile, related investigations continue against others involved in irregularities in flood control projects, an issue that continues to be monitored by the public due to its implications for accountability, transparency, and trust in government.
