MANILA, Philippines — Former Senator Ramon “Bong” Revilla Jr. officially surrendered to the Philippine National Police (PNP) late Monday night, following an arrest warrant issued by the Sandiganbayan in connection with a massive flood control corruption scandal.
The warrant, issued by the anti-graft court’s Third Division, stems from allegations of “ghost projects” and illegal kickbacks involving the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH). Revilla is among several high-profile individuals implicated in the mess, which centers on a P76-million flood works project in Pandi, Bulacan, that was reportedly paid for in full despite never being implemented.
“I Did Nothing Wrong” In a Facebook video posted shortly before he arrived at Camp Crame, Revilla expressed his sadness over the warrant, claiming a lack of due process but vowing to face the charges head-on. “I will face this without fear because I know God won’t abandon me. I did nothing wrong,” Revilla stated, asking supporters for prayers for his family.
The former senator was accompanied by authorities to the PNP headquarters around 10:00 p.m. His surrender follows a series of hearings by the Senate Blue Ribbon Committee, where testimony from former Public Works Undersecretary Roberto Bernardo detailed a “25-percent commitment” system for infrastructure funding. Bernardo alleged that he personally facilitated the delivery of millions in kickbacks to various lawmakers, including a P250-million delivery to Revilla’s residence in Cavite.
Co-Accused and Broader Implications Revilla is not alone in the legal crosshairs. The Sandiganbayan also ordered the arrest of six others, including dismissed DPWH engineers Brice Hernandez and Jaypee Mendoza, who were already in Senate custody for contempt.
The investigation has cast a wide net, with Bernardo’s testimony implicating several other current and former officials. The scandal has significantly impacted the Marcos administration’s budget plans, leading to the veto of billions in flood control funds and contributing to a downgrade in the country’s growth forecast by the IMF.
A History of Legal Battles This is not Revilla’s first encounter with the Sandiganbayan. He was previously detained for years in relation to the 2013 “pork barrel” scam. While he was acquitted of plunder in 2018, the court ordered him to return P124 million in public funds—a payment that, as of early 2026, remains outstanding.
As the legal proceedings begin, the Department of Justice continues to validate other potential “ghost” projects, signaling that more charges could be on the horizon for those involved in the infrastructure sector.