Tovic Salvador

Ombudsman eyes malversation, possible plunder rap vs Bong Revilla

Article (news)

David Dizon

ABS-CBN News

<p>The Office of the Ombudsman is eyeing malversation and possible plunder charges against former senator Ramon “Bong” Revilla Jr.  following the <a href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/news/nation/2025/12/3/ici-recommends-charges-vs-revilla-other-officials-tagged-in-flood-control-mess-1621">recommendatio</a>n of the Independent Commission for Infrastructure to file charges against him and 10 others. </p><p>Speaking to ANC’s Headstart, Ombudsman Jesus Crispin Remulla said there is enough evidence against Revilla after he was linked to the flood control mess by former Undersecretary Roberto Bernardo and ex-Public Works District Engineer Henry Alcantara.</p><p>“Most of it will be, I think malversation will be the predicate crime. Possible plunder…It’s something that is ongoing right now. I don’t know kung anong stage na ‘yung preliminary investigation,” he said.</p><p>Bernardo earlier testified he delivered P125 million in six cardboard boxes, each containing at least P20 million, and one paper bag containing P5 million to Revilla’s residence in December 2024.</p><p>He said he instructed his aide to deliver another P250 million to Revilla’s residence before the campaign period for the 2025 national elections began.</p><div><span class="fr-video fr-deletable fr-fvc fr-dvb fr-draggable" contenteditable="false" draggable="true"><iframe width="640" height="360" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/BjDK4FqGp2M?&amp;wmode=opaque&amp;rel=0" frameBorder="0" allowfullscreen="" class="fr-draggable"></iframe></span><br/></div><p>Remulla said his office is looking at other possible witnesses in the case against Revilla.</p><p>He said he expects his relationship with the Revillas to suffer, noting that both clans hail from Cavite.</p><p>“Our family’s political interests can suffer a bit. HIndi natin alam if it will damage us or not but mag sa-suffer ‘yung relationships. Our children know each other, they work with each other, medyo mahirap din...Ito ay trabaho ko,” he said.</p><p>Revilla and former Ako Bicol Partylist representive Zaldy Co have also been admitted as additional respondents in the flood control complaints before the Department of Justice, according to Prosecutor General Richard Fadullon.</p><p>Revilla has denied his alleged involvement in the flood control mess, saying he has become an easy target for those seeking to twist the truth.</p><p>“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,” he said.</p><p>Revilla was previously detained and charged with plunder for his alleged involvement in the P10 billion pork barrel scam of Janet Lim Napoles, but was later cleared by the anti-graft court. </p><div><span class="fr-video fr-deletable fr-fvc fr-dvb fr-draggable" contenteditable="false" draggable="true"><iframe width="640" height="360" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/Ye1zgKQZtTY?&amp;wmode=opaque&amp;rel=0" frameBorder="0" allowfullscreen="" class="fr-draggable"></iframe></span><br/></div>

<p>The Office of the Ombudsman is eyeing malversation and possible plunder charges against former senator Ramon “Bong” Revilla Jr. following the <a href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/news/nation/2025/12/3/ici-recommends-charges-vs-revilla-other-officials-tagged-in-flood-control-mess-1621">recommendatio</a>n of the Independent Commission for Infrastructure.</p>

The Office of the Ombudsman is eyeing malversation and possible plunder charges against former senator Ramon “Bong” Revilla Jr. following the recommendatio n of the Independent Commission for Infrastructure.