MANILA, Philippines — The scheduled arraignment of former Senator Ramon “Bong” Revilla Jr. before the Sandiganbayan was postponed on Friday, January 23, 2026, after his legal team filed a last-minute motion to quash the malversation and graft charges against him.
Revilla and six co-accused from the Bulacan office of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) are facing trial for an alleged P92-million “ghost” flood control project in Pandi, Bulacan.
The Defense: “Lack of Due Process” Revilla’s lawyer, Reody Anthony Balisi, argued for the dismissal of the case on the grounds that the allegations do not constitute a punishable offense under malversation laws.
- Accountability Issue: The defense claims Revilla was not an “accountable officer” since he lacked direct custody or control of the public funds used for the project in Barangay Bunsuran, Pandi.
- Late Notice: Balisi also cited a “lack of due process,” stating the legal team received the “thick” formal complaint from the Office of the Ombudsman only on Thursday, less than 24 hours before the scheduled court appearance.
The Allegations: P76M Paid for Non-Existent Works Assistant Ombudsman Mico Clavano detailed a sophisticated conspiracy to defraud the government. According to the prosecution:
- Fraudulent Billing: The accused allegedly falsified accomplishment reports and billing documents to show the project was complete.
- Illegal Release: At least P76 million was released as payment for the work.
- Inspection Findings: A subsequent field inspection revealed that the flood control project was never actually implemented, despite being reported as “finished.”
Detention and Bail Revilla surrendered to the PNP on Monday night following the issuance of an arrest warrant.
- Bail Status: While he posted a P90,000 bond for the graft charge, the malversation charge remains non-bailable because the amount involved exceeds the P8.8-million threshold.
- Request for Transfer: Revilla is currently held at the New Quezon City Jail in Payatas, but has petitioned for a transfer to the PNP Custodial Center in Camp Crame for security reasons. Sandiganbayan justices inspected the Payatas facility on Friday afternoon but have yet to rule on the transfer request.
A Familiar Legal Battle This is not Revilla’s first encounter with the anti-graft court. He was previously detained for four years in connection with the Priority Development Assistance Fund (PDAF) scam before being acquitted of plunder in 2018. However, the court ruled he remains civilly liable for P124.5 million, an amount he has yet to return to the national treasury.
The Sandiganbayan has given prosecutors until January 28 to comment on the motions to quash. Until then, the high-profile case remains in a state of procedural limbo.