Jolo Revilla: Father surrendered to face charges head-on

Cavite Rep. Ramon Jolo Revilla on Tuesday said the decision of his father, former senator Ramon Revilla Jr., to surrender to authorities was a conscious move to directly confront the accusations against him.

“The decision of my father, Ramon Bong Revilla, Jr., to voluntarily submit himself to the authorities was a deliberate step to confront the accusations head-on and to affirm his faith in our legal institutions,” the younger Revilla said in a statement.

He added, “Hindi ito pag-iwas, kundi pagharap. He believes that the proper place to resolve these issues is inside the courtroom, where facts matter and the law speaks louder than speculation.”

Revilla acknowledged the personal and public weight of the situation, saying, “As a son, this is a difficult moment for our family. As a legislator, I recognize the importance of accountability and the integrity of due process. In this light, we respectfully call for fairness—fair treatment under the law, fair judgment based on evidence, and fairness in public discourse that refrains from trial by publicity.”

“I therefore ask the public and the media to allow the justice system to work—without pressure, noise, or premature conclusion,” he said.

The lawmaker also expressed gratitude for what he described as the continued prayers and compassion of supporters who, he said, trust in fair and just proceedings and believe the truth will eventually prevail.

On Monday night, Revilla Jr. voluntarily surrendered after the Sandiganbayan issued a warrant of arrest against him in connection with charges stemming from his alleged involvement in a PHP92.8 million ghost flood control project in Pandi, Bulacan.

The Philippine National Police said Revilla arrived at the PNP National Headquarters in Camp Crame accompanied by his wife and children.

“Upon his arrival, the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) was immediately summoned to serve the warrant of arrest issued against him. The warrant was duly implemented, and the former senator was formally informed of the nature of his arrest and his constitutional rights,” the PNP said in a statement.

Revilla underwent standard booking and documentation procedures under CIDG custody, including a medical examination, in accordance with existing rules and protocols.

On 16 January, the Office of the Ombudsman filed malversation and graft charges against Revilla and several former Department of Public Works and Highways engineers over an alleged scheme involving kickbacks from public works projects in Pandi.

A hold departure order has also been issued against the accused.

Revilla’s co-accused include DPWH Bulacan district engineers Brice Hernandez, Jaypee Mendoza, Arjay Domasig, and Emelita Juat, as well as personnel Juanito Mendoza and Christina Pineda.

The flood control project was awarded to a contractor in March, when Revilla was still serving as senator.

DPWH Undersecretary Roberto Bernardo, a state witness under the Department of Justice Witness Protection Program, earlier claimed he delivered PHP125 million to Revilla’s residence in 2024.