MANILA — Former Senator Ramon “Bong” Revilla Jr. and six other individuals were sued for P93 million in alleged ghost projects before the Sandiganbayan on January 15, 2026, in connection with the Priority Development Assistance Fund (PDAF) scandal during the 19th Congress.
The Office of the Ombudsman filed the case for plunder and violation of the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act (RA 3019), accusing the group of funneling Revilla’s pork barrel funds into fictitious infrastructure and livelihood projects through non-government organizations (NGOs) that never materialized.
Key Accused Individuals
- Ramon “Bong” Revilla Jr. (former senator)
- Richard Cambe (former chief-of-staff)
- Janet Lim-Napoles (alleged mastermind of PDAF scam)
- Three representatives from involved NGOs
- One private individual (facilitator)
Allegations
- Revilla allegedly endorsed P93 million in PDAF funds to NGOs controlled by Napoles between 2010 and 2012.
- The projects (farm-to-market roads, livelihood programs, irrigation systems) were never implemented — “ghost projects” with fabricated documents, ghost beneficiaries, and forged liquidation reports.
- Funds were allegedly diverted through kickbacks, with portions laundered back to Revilla and his staff.
The Ombudsman’s case builds on earlier convictions:
- Revilla was acquitted by the Sandiganbayan in 2018 of plunder but convicted of graft for a separate P124-million PDAF misuse (sentence later appealed and partially served via house arrest).
- This new P93-million case is distinct and stems from a reopened/expanded investigation after new evidence surfaced.
Revilla has consistently denied wrongdoing, claiming he was a victim of Napoles’ scheme and that he never personally benefited from the funds. He is expected to file a counter-affidavit or motion to dismiss.
The filing revives public attention on the PDAF scandal — one of the largest corruption cases in Philippine history — as the country prepares for the 2028 elections.
Here are key images from the announcement: Ombudsman filing documents, Revilla during past PDAF hearings, Napoles in court, and symbolic “ghost project” illustrations.
The case adds to the growing list of high-profile accountability efforts in 2026 — developments to watch closely.