Ombudsman eyes malversation, plunder cases vs Bong Revilla

Ombudsman Jesus Crispin Remulla said his office is eyeing malversation and plunder charges against former Senator Ramon “Bong” Revilla Jr. and 10 others following the recent recommendation of the Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI) over their alleged link to the flood control scandal.

During an interview on ANC’s Headstart aired on Monday, Remulla said the Office of the Ombudsman is already taking necessary action, with some cases at the preliminary investigation stage.

When asked about the possible charges Revilla may face, Ombudsman Remulla said malversation is likely to be the predicate crime.

“Most of it will be, I think malversation will be the predicate crime, possible plunder. It’s something that is going on right now. I don't know what stage the preliminary investigation is already,” Remulla said in a mix of English and Filipino.

Former Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Undersecretary Roberto Bernardo earlier testified that he delivered P125 million in cardboard boxes to Revilla’s residence in December 2024, with each box containing P20 million and one paper bag containing P5 million.

According to Remulla, the evidence appears sufficient against Revilla, but Bernardo’s testimony is only one of several legal theories the agency is pursuing, which cannot yet be publicly disclosed.

“Our people are actively reinforcing our legal theories, but I cannot tell you everything. It’s not our job to tell you everything within our power because we are fighting lawyers also, so we don’t want to telegraph our punches,” Remulla said.

Remulla noted that his relationship with Revilla could be affected, as both their families are from Cavite and have political ties.

“Our family’s political interest can suffer a bit. We don’t know if it will damage us or not, but our relationship will suffer. Our children know each other, they work with each other. This is a bit hard, but this is my job,” he said.

In addition to the ICI recommendation, Revilla and former Congressman Zaldy Co were named as additional respondents in the flood control complaints before the Department of Justice.

On Saturday, Revilla denied the allegations on his Facebook page, claiming his name was being misused to twist the truth.

“I am an easy target being used to muddle the truth, but the truth will always come out,” Revilla said.

"I have lived my life facing all challenges thrown my way. Hindi ako tumakbo, hindi ako nagtago. Hindi ako umurong noon, hindi ako uurong ngayon. At dahil ang katotohanan ay nasa aking panig, haharapin ko ito nang buong tapang at paninindigan.
[I did not run, I did not hide. I did not back down then, and I will not back down now. And because the truth is on my side, I will face this with complete courage and conviction.]"

Revilla was previously detained and charged with plunder over his alleged involvement in the P10 billion Pork Barrel Scam of Janet Lim Napoles but was cleared by the Sandiganbayan, which found insufficient evidence that he received kickbacks.