The camp of former Senator Ramon "Bong" Revilla Jr. on Wednesday expressed intention to exclude witnesses and documentary evidence pertaining to supposed "ghost projects" in connection with his pork barrel scam plunder case.

In a comment on the draft pre-trial order, Revilla's camp said these are "irrelevant and immaterial" to his case.

The pre-trial order summarizes the proposed stipulation of both parties, as well as the list of witnesses and documents marked as exhibits to be presented for an orderly trial.

"Revilla submits that plaintiff's evidence, particularly those that tend to prove 'ghost or fictitious projects' referred to in the Amended Information should be excluded from these proceedings, for being irrelevant and immaterial to the charge of plunder against accused Revilla," Revilla's comment read.

Revilla's camp pointed out that based on the charge filed by the prosecution, Revilla was accused of receiving kickbacks after endorsing Janet Lim Napoles' non-government organization-before the supposed implementation of the projects.

"Since the ill-gotten wealth allegedly amassed, accumulated or acquired by Revilla is explicitly identified to be the amount of P225, 512, 500.00 described in paragraph (a) of the Information; consequently, not including the PDAF proceeds of the ghost projects misappropriated by Napoles, whether evidence, regarding the matter may be admitted and considered in the instant case," Revilla's comment read.

• READ: Bong Revilla's bank records support kickback claim

Meanwhile, Revilla's camp intends to recall 10 witnesses previously presented in the bail hearing for additional cross examination. Among them are Benhur Luy, Merlina Suñas, Marina Sula, Joey Narciso, Atty. Leigh Vhon Santos, Mary Arlene Joyce Baltazar, Susan Garcia, Carmencia Delantar, and Lorenzo Drapete.

As of posting, the pre-trial order for Revilla's plunder case is already 553 pages. On the supposed first day of trial last January 12, the prosecution said they intend to present a total of 119 witnesses including the whistleblowers, farmer-beneficiaries, and bank representatives. Revilla's lead counsel Estelito Mendoza opposed the "bloated" number of witnesses, and asked to trim it down.

Revilla's trial is scheduled to start on Thursday, February 23. This was the third setting of the former senator's initial plunder trial after two cancellations on January 12 and February 9.