Revilla Surrenders After Sandiganbayan Issues Arrest Warrant Over Alleged Ghost Flood Control Project

Former senator and actor Ramon Bong Revilla Jr surrendered to the Philippine National Police Criminal Investigation and Detection Group after the Sandiganbayan issued a warrant for his arrest in connection with an alleged flood control scam in Bulacan.

The anti-graft court ordered the arrest of Revilla and six co-accused for the alleged malversation of public funds amounting to ₱92.8 million, linked to a so-called “ghost” flood control project in Pandi, Bulacan.

Also named in the arrest warrants were several officials of the Bulacan District of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), including Brice Hernandez, Arjay Domasig, Jaypee Mendoza, Emelita Juat, Juanito Mendoza, and Christina Pineda.

Allegations and Denials

Revilla was previously implicated by former DPWH Undersecretary Roberto Bernardo, who alleged that the former senator received kickbacks from the purportedly non-existent flood control project. Revilla has categorically deniedthe accusations.

NBI Moves at the Senate

Meanwhile, agents of the National Bureau of Investigation arrived at the Senate to serve the arrest warrants issued by the Sandiganbayan against Hernandez and Jaypee Mendoza. Both former DPWH engineers had appeared earlier at a hearing of the Senate Blue Ribbon Committee on the alleged flood control irregularities.

Senate President Pro Tempore Panfilo Ping Lacson said the committee would first await the hard copies of the arrest warrants before formally turning Hernandez and Mendoza over to authorities.

Revilla Speaks Out

On Monday night, Revilla posted a video message recorded while he was inside a vehicle, saying he had learned that a warrant of arrest had been issued against him. He expressed sadness over what he described as a lack of due process but said he would face the case without fear.

“I know God will not abandon me because I am innocent,” Revilla said, appealing to the public to pray for him and for strength for his family. He added that the situation has been painful for him and his loved ones.

The case is the latest in a series of high-profile corruption prosecutions involving alleged irregularities in public infrastructure projects, as authorities continue their crackdown on so-called “ghost” projects linked to the misuse of government funds.