Revilla files counter-affidavit vs second flood control complaint

Bong Revilla on Monday filed his counter-affidavit to a second complaint involving alleged anomalous flood control projects before the Department of Justice.

The former lawmaker appeared at the preliminary investigation with his lawyers, who denied the claims made by witnesses in the complaint.

Atty. Ramon Esguerra, one of Revilla’s counsels, said the former senator is facing complaints for alleged violations of Article 210 (Direct Bribery) and Article 211 (Indirect Bribery) under the Revised Penal Code.

Esguerra stressed that the allegations against Revilla are baseless.

“Hoping against hope the case will be dismissed and they will follow their own rules. There is no prima facie evidence with reasonable certainty of conviction,” Esguerra said.

Revilla is facing the second complaint before the DOJ in connection with alleged anomalous flood control projects.

According to Esguerra, the first complaint involved SYMS Construction, while the second involved Wawao Builders, with both projects located in Bulacan.

Esguerra also said the witnesses against Revilla, including former Department of Public Works and Highways district engineer Henry Alcantara, lack credibility.

The lawyer noted that the supposed evidence includes a tabular enumeration of projects allegedly suggested by the DPWH.

Esguerra questioned the validity of the document, saying it did not originate from the former senator and contained no details showing acceptance of money or proof that Revilla endorsed or requested the projects.

On the other hand, Francesca Señga, another lawyer of Revilla, reiterated that the complaint is based on hearsay.

She said that even her law students would know that a complaint cannot rely on allegations that fail to show the acts or omissions constituting the elements of the crimes charged, adding that such a complaint has no place in a preliminary investigation.

Señga said the complaints were filed to harass her client.