Former senator Ramon Bong Revilla, Jr. appeared before the Department of Justice on December 10 as investigators move forward with cases involving alleged irregularities in flood control projects. Revilla stayed only a few minutes inside the DOJ compound before leaving but later issued a statement saying he would confront the accusations head-on.
Revilla was recently admitted as an additional respondent in the cases involving SYMS Construction and Trading, which are under preliminary investigation. He was given several days to file his counter-affidavit. The Independent Commission for Infrastructure earlier recommended plunder and related charges against Revilla in connection with alleged anomalies in flood control contracts. The recommendation was supported by affidavits submitted during previous hearings, including claims that he sought a commission from project funds. Revilla has denied the allegations.
In his public statement, Revilla insisted he had nothing to hide. “I have lived my life facing all challenges thrown my way. I didn’t run, I didn’t hide. I didn’t back down then, I won’t back down now,” he said. He described the accusations as “not only lies but simply unbelievable,” adding that he was “an easy target being used to muddle the truth.” Revilla said, “My name is being used to deflect from the truth—but the truth, never, can be covered up.”
“Together with you, I believe that in the end, those who are truly guilty will be held accountable—for justice and for the people,” he added while addressing supporters.
Revilla’s appearance before the DOJ comes as authorities expand their case build-ups in the flood control investigation. Several high-profile officials have been included in the same review following the ICI’s recommendations stemming from testimony and documents submitted earlier this year.
Prior to this new controversy, Revilla spent four years in detention after being arrested in 2014 over allegations tied to the Priority Development Assistance Fund scam. He was acquitted of plunder in 2018 but was held civilly liable and ordered to return more than P124 million to the government. His remaining graft charges were dismissed in 2021, allowing him to return to the Senate in 2019.
Revilla is again facing accusations of large-scale corruption as the preliminary review of the flood control cases continues.
