Court Records Not Guilty Plea for Bong Revilla in Bulacan Flood Project Case
The Sandiganbayan Third Division formally entered a not guilty plea on behalf of former senator Ramon Bong Revilla Jr. in connection with a malversation case tied to the alleged ₱92.8-million ghost flood control project in Pandi, Bulacan.
During his arraignment, Revilla declined to enter a plea, prompting the court to automatically record a not guilty plea on his behalf in accordance with legal procedure. His co-accused, including Juanito Mendoza of the Department of Public Works and Highways Bulacan First District Engineering Office, also pleaded not guilty.
Several other individuals linked to the case had earlier entered the same plea. The court’s action officially opened the pre-trial phase, with a preliminary conference scheduled from February 23 to 27 and the pre-trial set for March 6. During these proceedings, both the prosecution and the defense are expected to present and review their evidence.
The case stems from accusations filed by the Office of the Ombudsman, which alleged that government funds were funneled into a flood control project that was declared completed but was never actually implemented. According to the complaint, about ₱76 million was allegedly channeled into the project, raising concerns over the possible misuse of public funds. Revilla’s name surfaced in the controversy after former Public Works Undersecretary Roberto Bernardo alleged that he received kickbacks in exchange for facilitating or endorsing certain flood control projects.
Revilla has strongly denied the allegations and maintained his innocence. In a separate but related graft case involving the same project, the court had earlier entered a not guilty plea on his behalf after he also declined to enter one.
These proceedings mark the beginning of a legal process that will determine whether the allegations have sufficient basis to proceed to trial. For now, the case remains under pre-trial review as Revilla continues to contest the charges and prepare his defense.